1. Chapter 3 Court Systems
Law in Society
Ms. Baumgartner

2. 3-1 Forms of Dispute Resolution
how disputes can be settled without going to court
different levels of courts and describe their powers

3. HOT DEBATE
Read story
What other courses of action (besides court) might he be able to use?

4. FORMS OF DISPUTE RESOLUTION
How can disputes be resolved without going to court?
Many people decide too quickly to litigate
Sometimes, it is better for both parties to negotiate a settlement themselves
Together they reach solution face-to-face

5. Dispute Resolution
As an alternative to face-to-face, parties invite an independent 3rd party to act as a mediator (not legally binding)
Or hire an arbitrator to determine what happened (decision is legally binding)

6. If those 3 methods don’t work out for you, you will take the dispute to court
Courts decide disputes between private individuals and try criminal cases
A court may award damages or order other appropriate relief in resolving private disputes
In criminal cases, punishment (imprisonment and/or worse) may be ordered by the court

7. Dispute Resolution
Two levels of courts are involved in deciding a dispute:
Trial courts
Must reach a verdict
Trial courts have original jurisdiction over cases
Appellate courts
Examine the transcript
They also read appellate briefs

8. Role-play courtroom positions/duties
What 2 types of courts are used in our legal system to settle disputes?
3-1 Assessment #1-12
(With Teacher)
Role-play courtroom positions/duties

9. 3-2 The Federal Court System
Identify the source of power of the federal courts
Name the major federal courts and describe their jurisdiction and powers

10. JURISDICTION OF FEDERAL COURTS
There are 3 levels of federal courts with general jurisdiction (VS specialized jurisdiction)
Federal district courts
Federal court of appeals
U.S. Supreme Court
Can issue a writ of certiorari

11. 3-2 Assessment # 1-7
Create diagram of Federal Court System (3 levels and how they’re connected)

12. 3-3 State Court Systems
Compare the structure of a typical state and federal court system
Explain the jurisdictions of the specialized courts

13. What’s Your Verdict?
Sheila had a beautiful apartment with a view of the lake. After she had lived there several years, her landlord gave her and the other tenants of the apartment building 30 days to vacate. Sheila sued to prevent the mass evictions. After losing the state trial, she wanted to take the issue to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Can she do this?

14. A Typical State Court System
A typical state legal system resembles the federal system
State legislature MAKES laws, state executive branch ENFORCES laws, state judicial branch holds courts (3 tiers)
State trial courts (circuit courts) *
State court of appeals *
State Supreme Court (controls **)

15. State Trial Courts
Courts with jurisdiction over criminal and civil cases (also known as circuit courts, district courts or courts of common pleas)
A court of record keeps an exact account of what goes on at a trial
Accuracy is VITAL
Things included: transcript, evidence, statements, verdicts/judgements

16. State Court of Appeals
An appeal from a court of record is reviewed by a panel of judges
Panel consists of no more than 3 judges
State appellate panel evaluates the case record and listen to arguments
No new evidence can be introduced
Judges make sure that judges at lower level used correct law to resolve case
If not, they apply correct law

17. State Supreme Courts Cases that involve the most complete legal issues
Justice is the person who sits on cases
Panel of three or more justices review cases on appeal
State supreme courts issue final decision
If constitutional/federal question of law, further appeal goes to U.S. Supreme Ct
State supreme court has original jurisdicion over impeachment cases

18. State Courts w/ Specialized Jurisdictions
Below the trial courts (circuit courts in most states) are courts with specialized jurisdiction (powers):
Associate circuit (county courts) – hear minor criminal cases, traffic offenses, lawsuits under $25,000
Municipal courts – administer ordinances
Small claims – handle disputes in small amounts, less than $2,500 (attorneys not required)
Juvenile – years of age (in most states), focuses on rehabilitation instead of punishment
Probate courts - courts that administer wills and estates according to the deceased's wishes

19. Juvenile Courts cont.
Society typically believes that juveniles should not be held as responsible as adults for their criminal acts
Released into parental custody, foster home placement, detention in correctional facilities
Juvenile records are sealed to the public and courtroom is closed during the informal hearing
Age tried as an adult in AL = ???

20. Let’s check out this article…what do you think?
Read: QUESTION OF ETHICS (p57)
Complete 3-3 Assessment 1-6
Complete Chapter 3 Assessment
1-11,19,21,23,24