Chapter 10: Judicial Branch Describe the organization, functions,

and jurisdiction of courts within the American judicial system.

Explain the kinds of law.

Federal Court System Article III of the Constitution

established a national Supreme Court and gave Congress the power to established inferior courts.

Supreme court is at the top of the court system.

Criminal and Civil Cases U.S. has two separate systemsA. Federal courts B. State courts Criminal case- cases in which juries

decide whether people have committed crimes are tried the most in state courts.

Civil cases- also heard by state courts, are in which two sides disagree over some issue.

Civil Cases Is when one party, or person,

involved sues or takes legal action against another party.

The complaint the first person makes to the court is called a suit or lawsuit.

Federal court jurisdiction Jurisdiction- the authority to hear

and decide a case—only in certain specific areas.

List the 8 specific area in which the Supreme court will hear a case.

8 areas to hear a case 1. Constitution-freedom of speech. 2. Federal law- try people of federal crimes. 3. Admiralty and maritime laws. 4. Disputes in which the United States

government is involved.

5. Controversies between the states. 6. Controversies between citizens of different

states. 7. Disputes involving foreign governments. 8. United states Ambassadors, ministers, and

consuls serving in the foreign countries.

Original and Appellate Jurisdictions Original Jurisdiction – the authority to

hear a case first (determines the facts) Appellate Jurisdiction – authority to

hear an appeal (only reviews legal issues)

1. Appeal: to ask a higher court to review the decision and determine if justice was done.

D is tric t C ou rts

C ou rts o f A p p ea ls

S u p rem e C ou rt

Lower Federal Courts District courts- lowest level of the

courts. The federal courts where trials are

held and lawsuits are begun. It is the only federal court in which

jury trials are held.

District Court Judges Each district court has two judges. Judge decides on the punishment or

fines when the jury finds the defendant guilty.

Other District Court Officials Magistrate- are the ones who issue

court orders and hears the preliminary evidence in a case to determine whether the case should be brought to trial.

U.S. attorney- the governments lawyer. His job is to prove someone has committed a crime.

Serving Subpoenas Marshal- arrest suspects, delivers

defendants to court, and serves people with subpoenas

Subpoenas- is a court order requiring someone to appear in court.

United States Courts of Appeals Federal appeals court, circuit courts

of appeals, or appellate courts. Appellate Jurisdiction- hear only

cases that have come to them on appeal from the lower district courts or from federal regulatory agencies.