Court Systems Flashcards
Which type of court system is established by the U.S. constitution and has jurisdiction over federal laws and disputes involving the U.S. government?
Federal courts.
What is the primary jurisdiction of state courts?
State courts have general jurisdiction, meaning that they can hear any controversy except those prohibited by state law (some states, for example, deny subject matter jurisdiction for a case that does not involve state citizens and did not take place in the state).
Which level of the federal court system is the trial court where most federal cases begin?
The federal district court is the starting point for any case arising under federal statutes, the Constitution, or treaties.
In the federal court system, what is the highest appellate court?
The Supreme Court of the United States.
The U.S. Supreme Court has original jurisdiction in cases involving…
The Court has original jurisdiction (a case is tried before the Court) over certain cases, e.g., suits between two or more states and/or cases involving ambassadors and other public ministers.
Which level of the state court system is typically the court of last resort and has the final authority on state law matters?
The Constitution and laws of each state establish the state courts. A court of last resort, often known as a Supreme Court, is usually the highest court. Some states also have an intermediate Court of Appeals. Below these appeals courts are the state trial courts.
