1. Chapter 3 The Courts and Legal Personnel

2. Introduction to Law, 4 th Edition Hames and Ekern © 2010 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. All Rights Reserved. 2 The United States Federal Courts Supreme Court U.S. Supreme Court Appellate Courts U.S. Courts of Appeals 12 Regional Circuit Courts of Appeals 1 U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit Trial Courts U.S. District Courts 94 Judicial Districts U.S. Bankruptcy Courts U.S. Court of International Trade U.S. Court of Federal Claims Federal Courts and Other Entities Outside the Judicial Branch Military Courts (Trial and Appellate) Court of Veterans Appeals U.S. Tax Court Federal Administrative Agencies and Boards

3. Introduction to Law, 4 th Edition Hames and Ekern © 2010 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. All Rights Reserved. 3 The U.S. Supreme Court The Supreme Court is primarily a court of review that exercises appellate jurisdiction It hears cases from the lower federal courts. It will hear cases that originate in the state courts if the case involves constitutional issues or a question of federal law.

4. Introduction to Law, 4 th Edition Hames and Ekern © 2010 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. All Rights Reserved. 4 The Legal Community Judges Lawyers Paralegals Legal Support Staff Court Personnel Agency Personnel Criminal Justice Personnel

5. Introduction to Law, 4 th Edition Hames and Ekern © 2010 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. All Rights Reserved. 5 Legal Support Staff Legal Secretaries Law Clerks Paralegals Case Assistants Case Clerks

6. Introduction to Law, 4 th Edition Hames and Ekern © 2010 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. All Rights Reserved. 6 Court Personnel Judges Court Clerks Court Reporters Bailiffs

7. Introduction to Law, 4 th Edition Hames and Ekern © 2010 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. All Rights Reserved. 7 Ethical Responsibilities for Lawyers and Staff Fiduciary Duty Confidentiality Competency Conflict of Interest Attorney Fees and Trust Accounts Diligence Communication with Opposing Parties Unauthorized Practice of Law