Judicial System Unit A Very Brief Introduction That

Judicial System Unit A Very Brief Introduction That You May or May Not Remember

The Judicial System of the United States is divided into two levels: National State

Courts at both levels handle two types of cases …. Criminal Civil

Criminal Cases • These involve accusations by the government that someone has broken a law

Criminal Cases • Defendants are found or

Criminal Cases (cont. ) • If found guilty one or all of the following could happen: Jail Time Fine Probation Or you could get a combination of all three!

Civil Cases • This is a private dispute involving two or more individuals, businesses or governments

Civil Cases (cont) • Cases are found in favor of the or

Plaintiff In a civil case, the plaintiff is the one making the accusation – they often seek payment of damages or the enforcement of a contract or regulation

Defendant Civil Defendant – the person, business, or government that is being sued.

Defendant Criminal Defendant – the person accused of committing the crime

Jurisdiction • The right of a court to hear a certain type of case • There are three types of jurisdiction

Original Jurisdiction This means the court has the authority to be the first to hear a case.

Appellate Jurisdiction The ability to hear cases on review, or appeal, from lower courts.

Appeal To ask a court to review a legal issue that occurred during your trial. You CANNOT simply appeal because you lost.

Limited Original Jurisdiction This means that some cases begin at the highest level.

In conclusion …. • Two levels to our judicial system • Two types of cases • Three types of jurisdiction