1. The Court System
Appeals

3. U.S. Courts of Appeals A review of the decision of the trial court
NO new cases
Defendants raise claims that mistakes were made during the trial.
Issue: have rights been violated?
A defendant who loses in district court does NOT have an automatic right to an appeal trial

4. Who and What Three judges No jury No witnesses Error of law
Error of fact

5. Steps Briefs Oral arguments Deliberation and decision
Could take weeks or even months

6. Steps
Opinions-
Precedents-

7. Courts of Appeals
Types of relief:
Affirms-
Reverses -

9. U.S. Supreme Court Roles: Judicial Review
Court of original jurisdiction in some matters
Court of last resort in all questions
Esp constitutional issues from the states

10. Who Nine JUSTICES- since 1869 Nominated by the president
Affirmed by the Senate
Appointed for life

11. What Petitioner files a Petition/ Writ of Certiorari- Discretion-
Court itself decides which cases to take
Does not hear all appeals-- “cert. denied”
Often cases of national policy issues
75% from Federal courts

12. Stages
In order for a case to be heard by the Supreme Court, at least four justices must vote to hear the case
Cases that are granted cert will be scheduled for oral argument.
~80 cases per term

13. Decisions
Majority Opinion —
Dissenting Opinion-
Concurring Opinion-