1. Chapter 3-3 State Court Systems
Pages 55-59

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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)

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

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

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

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

12. 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

13. 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

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

15. 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