Court Systems Flashcards
What are the five main courts? In order from smallest rank to highest.
Small claims, state, U.S. District, U.S. Court of Appeals, Supreme Court
Judicial Review
The power of the Supreme Court to declare laws and actions of local, state, or national governments unconstitutional
Plaintiff
Party that initiates a lawsuit against an organization/individual, it is civil.
What’s a Defendant? Criminal/Civil?
Party being accused of a crime against the victim, allegations from the plaintiff, criminal.
Subpoena
Requested by an attorney, you must visit the courtroom as a witness
How many people are on the Jury?
12
How many people are on the Supreme Court?
9
Victim… criminal or civil?
The person who the crime was committed against, this can be both criminal and civil
Defense Attorney
Represents the defendant/ protects them
Judge
a public officer authorized to hear and decide cases in a court of law
Can the jury provide the sentence?
Yes, if requested.
Prosecutor
Attorney appointed/hired by the state/federal government to represent the plaintiff/state
Bailiff
Court officer who gives out subpoenas, and escorts defendants from jail to the courtroom, ensures the safety of the courtroom
Court Reporter
Records every little detail about the trial into an official document, used as an appeal
What does the jury do?
Decide whether or not something is true in both a criminal and civil case, can decide if the defendant has committed a crime, and may also sentence them to jail/prison
Civil Case
Plaintiff accuses the defendant of causing injury/damage to the plaintiff
Criminal Case
When a law is broken and the state can bring charges against the offender, no reasonable doubt of guilt is allowed
5 examples of subpoenas
DNA, blood, computer files, insurance records, and medical bills
Summons
An official notice of a lawsuit given to the defendant
Ways to serve a summons
By sheriff, private process server, or certified mail
Court Scheduling Order
Court order designed to manage the flow of a case from the date it is entered through the beginning of the trial
Small Claims Court
Court that only hears civil cases, and hears cases involving a limited amount of money up to $3,000
