Ch 16 The ederal Courts CH 16的联邦法院.pptVIP

The Federal Courts Chapter 16 The Nature of the Judicial System Introduction: Two types of cases: Criminal Law: The government charges an individual with violating one or more specific laws. Civil Law: The court resolves a dispute between two parties and defines the relationship between them. Most cases are tried and resolved in state courts, not federal courts. The Nature of the Judicial System Participants in the Judicial System Litigants Plaintiff - the party bringing the charge Defendant - the party being charged Jury - the people (normally 12) who often decide the outcome of a case Standing to sue - plaintiffs have a serious interest in the case. Justiciable disputes – A case must be capable of being settled as a matter of law. The Nature of the Judicial System Participants in the Judicial System Groups Use the courts to try to change policies. Amicus Curiae briefs are used to influence the courts. Attorneys Legal Services Corporation - lawyers to assist the poor Access to quality lawyers is not equal. The Structure of the Federal Judicial System The Structure of the Federal Judicial System District Courts Original Jurisdiction: courts that hear the case first and determine the facts - the trial court. Federal crimes Civil suits under federal law and across state lines Supervise bankruptcy and naturalization Review some federal agencies Admiralty and maritime law cases The Structure of the Federal Judicial System Courts of Appeal Appellate Jurisdiction: reviews the legal issues in cases brought from lower courts. Hold no trials and hear no testimony. 12 circuit courts U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit – specialized cases Focus on errors of procedure law The Structure of the Federal Judicial System The Federal Judicial Circuits (Figure 16.2) The Structure of the Federal Judicial System The Supreme Court 9 justices – 1 Chief Justice, 8 Associate Justices Supreme Court decides which cases it will hear Some original jurisdiction, but mostly appellate