Section 1.2 The Court System and Trial Procedures

Section 1.2 The Court System and Trial Procedures The United States has two major court systems: the federal and the state courts. The power a court has to hear a case and make a judgment is called jurisdiction.

Section 1.2 The Court System and Trial Procedures The federal court system consists of: district courts appellate courts special U.S. courts the Supreme Court

Section 1.2 The Court System and Trial Procedures Most state court systems consist of: local trial courts general trial courts special courts, such as juvenile courts intermediate appellate courts state supreme courts

Section 1.2 The Court System and Trial Procedures An appellate court is not a trial court, but reviews the decision of a lower court.

Section 1.2 The Court System and Trial Procedures

Federal Court System ONE United States Supreme Court United States Courts of Appeals 13 circuit courts (11 numbered circuits, a DC circuit, and a Federal circuit) Federal District Courts 94 district courts

Section 1.2 The Court System and Trial Procedures Supreme Court - The highest court in the United States! Roberts Court, 2010: Back row (left to right): Sonia Sotomayor, Stephen G. Breyer, Samuel A. Alito, and Elena Kagan. Front row (left to right): Clarence Thomas, Antonin Scalia, Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Anthony Kennedy, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

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Section 1.2 The Court System and Trial Procedures 4 Federal district courts

Section 1.2 The Court System and Trial Procedures Civil cases are brought by one individual against another. Criminal cases are brought by the government for offenses committed against the public.