Chapter 3-3 State Court Systems Pages 55-59

A Typical State Court System Resembles federal system State legislature– makes the laws State executive – enforces the laws State Judicial – vehicle to enforce the laws See chart on page 56

State Trial Courts Circuit courts/superior courts– courts with general original jurisdiction over both criminal and civil matters Court of record – keeps an exact account of what goes on at trial Transcript Evidence Statements Determinations & judgments of the court

State Trial Courts…continued State trial courts review decisions of small claims courts They retry cases to make a proper record for the purpose of appeals Jury present Judge determines fact if no jury Verdict issued (guilty or not guilty)

State Courts of Appeals Appeal is reviewed by a panel of judges No more than 3 judges Looks at transcripts Appellate brifs Oral arguments by attorneys No new evidence Judges check to confirm proper law used

State Courts of Appeals…continued Decisions Upheld – same verdict Revised – incorrect law was used so appeals judges reach a new result New trial – use of incorrect law interfered with proper determination of facts

State Supreme Courts Most cases…Entitled to a trial and one appeal, filed in timely manner with proper form At intermediate level, only cases involving complex legal issues are taken to justices

Jurisdication… Justices – title given to judges who sit on state supreme courts and the federal Supreme Court If case involves U.S. Constitution or federal question, then it is appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court State Supreme Court has original jurisdiction over most state impeachment cases

Specialized Jurisdiction Associate circuit (county courts), municipal, small claims, juvenile, and probate court

Associate Circuit Courts Lower courts Minor criminal cases State traffic offenses Lawsuits in small amounts (< $25,000)

City or municipal courts Usually divided into traffic and criminal division Handles city ordinances Violations are not considered criminal laws

Small Claims Courts Courts that handle disputes with small amounts $2,500 or less Attorney generally are not required Judge hears the dispute Cases can be appealed to state trial court

Juvenile courts Over 13 years old and under 18 years old – referred to as juveniles See page 58 Juveniles should be rehabilitated, not responsible at an adult level…usually Juvenile courts

Probate Court Courts that administer wills and estates to divide property and other interests after a person dies

Textbook Questions Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Think about Legal Concepts – 1-5 Think Critically about Evidence – 6-10 Page 60 Vocab – 1-10 Page 61 Review Legal Concepts – 11-14 Think Critically About Evidence – 19-24