1. Random Fact of the Day In the state of North Carolina, If a man and a woman who aren't married go to a hotel/motel and register themselves as married then, according to state law, they are legally married. In the state of North Carolina, If a man and a woman who aren't married go to a hotel/motel and register themselves as married then, according to state law, they are legally married.

2. Chapter 8, Section 1 The Federal Court System

3. Main Idea Three levels of federal courts try to ensure equal justice under the law for U.S. citizens. Three levels of federal courts try to ensure equal justice under the law for U.S. citizens.

4. I. Equal Justice for All A. Courts settle civil disputes between private parties, a private party and the government. A. Courts settle civil disputes between private parties, a private party and the government. ***Each side presents its position. The court applies the law to see which side is in favor.***

5. B. Courts hold criminal trials for people accused of crimes. ***Witnesses present evidence to a jury, or a judge delivers a verdict of guilt or innocence.***

6. C. All accused people have the right to a lawyer and public trial. ***If they can’t afford a lawyer, the court will pay for one.***

7. ***Accused are innocent until proven guilty.*** D. They can ask for a review of their case if they believe a mistake has been made. ***The goal of the legal system is equal justice under the law. This goal is hard to achieve!***

8. ***Judges and juries are not free from personal prejudices or prejudices of their communities. Poor people do not have the $ to spend on the best legal help***

9. II. The Federal Court System A. Article III established a national Supreme Court and gave Congress the power to establish lower federal courts. B. Congress set up three levels in the federal court system: 1. District Courts 2. Appeals Courts 3. Supreme Court Supreme Court Appeals Court District Courts

12. C. Each state also has its own laws and court system D. Jurisdiction- A court’s authority to hear and decide cases. ***The Constitution gives federal courts jurisdiction over eight kinds of cases.***

13. III. 8 Area’s Federal Courts usually have jurisdiction! 1. Cases involving constitution- If the law applies to the U.S. Constitution, a federal court hears the case. 2. Violations of federal laws- Federal courts hear cases involving violations of federal laws.

14. 3. Controversies between states- Any disagreement between state governments winds up in federal court. 4. Disputes between parties from different states- Federal courts hear lawsuits between citizens of differing states.

15. 5. Suits by/against federal government- If the U.S. government sues someone or someone sues the U.S. federal government. 6. Foreign governments and treaties- Any dispute between the U.S. government and a foreign government.

16. 7. Admiralty and maritime laws- Admiralty and maritime laws concern accidents or crimes on the high seas. 8. U.S. Diplomats- Federal courts hear cases involving U.S. diplomats.

17. A. Exclusive jurisdiction-only federal courts may hear and decide cases. ***Most U.S. court cases involve state law and are tried in state courts.*** B. Concurrent jurisdiction- sharing jurisdiction and either may hear the case.

18. Mini Quiz!!! 1. What are the 3 levels of the U.S. Court System? List from top to bottom! 2. The court’s authority to hear a case is known as? 3. Why is it hard for the legal system to give equal justice 100 percent of the time? 4. Most court cases happen at what level? 5. Court’s ability to share jurisdiction with other courts? 6. Court’s authority to be the only one to hear a particular case?