15.3 Americas Dual Court System Judiciary Act 1789 set up a dual court system

Jurisdiction “what gets tried where” Or The courts ability to hear a case

Jurisdiction Authority to enforce laws State courts have jurisdiction over cases involving state law Federal Courts = federal law or the “C”

Jurisdiction Is limited 3 factors #1 Level in the court hierarchy

Original Jurisdiction Bottom Trial courts Original The authority to hear a case for the first time

Appellate Jurisdiction Moving up….. Appeals Courts Authority to review decisions made in lower courts Was lower court carried out in a fair manner with no errors of law?

#2 Geographic Reach Court hear cases within certain geographic boundaries State = city or county Federal = within one of the 94 federal districts Appellate = 13 districts in the US Supreme Court = anywhere

#3 Type of Case Subject matter General jurisdiction = state and federal level = variety Limited jurisdiction = specialize in certain cases Ex: bankruptcy, traffic, juvenile cases

State Courts Most cases are heard here Several million/year Half = traffic

4 general levels Trial courts of limited jurisdiction Trial courts of general jurisdiction Intermediate appellate courts Courts of last resort

State Judges Each state has own rules 3 ways Election Appointment Merit selection & retention

check Which jurisdiction???? Hear a case for the first time? Review decisions made on lower court Only certain types of cases will be heard The supreme court is often called the “______ ___ _____ ______” Jurisdiction w/s