Court Systems & Structures

Question 0

Issue of Fact

Answer 0

an argument between the two parties regarding the events that took place which caused the lawsuit to arise

Question 1

Pleading

Answer 1

a series of formal, written statements in which the plaintiff and defendant both state their claims for their defense regarding the matter that is being disputed

Question 2

Issue of Law

Answer 2

an argument between the two parties in regards to which legal rules apply to the facts stated in the pleading

Question 3

Pretrial Procedure

Answer 3

Occurs when parties must disclose any evidence they have to prove the argued facts( used to push for settlements between parties so trial does not have to take place or to make trials more effective)

Question 4

Judgement on Pleadings

Answer 4

A final ruling by a judge based on the pleadings given by the plaintiff and defendant

Question 5

Discovery

Answer 5

Includes the right of each party to obtain witnesses and evidence (such as documents and physical objects)

Question 6

Summary Judgement

Answer 6

a final ruling by the judge in favor of either the plaintiff and defendant

Question 7

The trial

Answer 7

Introduces the evidence and facts from the pleadings and pretrial procedure and determines the outcome of the case

Question 8

Jury Selection

Answer 8

The process of choosing potential jurors by weeding out biased people who cannot be neutral or fair

Question 9

Court Systems

Answer 9

Neutral panels established by government agencies to settle a variety of disputes among different parties of people and businesses

Question 10

Plaintiff

Answer 10

The person that actually initiates a lawsuit against an organization or individual.

Question 11

Defendant

Answer 11

The person denying or defending themselves against allegations made by the plaintiff

Question 12

Prosecutor

Answer 12

Also called an attorney;the lawyer who is either hired or appointed by the state or federal government to carry out the court proceedings

Question 13

Small Claims Courts

Answer 13

Hear cases involving a limited amount of money, and only allow damages of up to $3,000 to be recovered

Question 14

Appeal

Answer 14

the transfer of a case from a lower to a higher level for a new hearing

Question 15

Trial Courts

Answer 15

Hear all criminal cases other than minor offenses, and can be also be called county, district, superior, circuit, or common pleas courts

Question 16

Appellate Courts

Answer 16

Are considered a reviewing court, and determines appeal from the decisions of the trial courts

Question 17

Conduct of Trial

Answer 17

Consists of opening statements by attorneys, direct and cross examination of witnesses and closing arguments by attorneys

Question 18

Verdict

Answer 18

Jury’s final decision based on all of the facts and evidence presented in the trial

Question 19

Federal District Courts

Answer 19

use juries and witnesses to help determine the outcome of the case and have jurisdiction to hear nearly all categories of federal cases, including both civil and criminal matters

Question 20

Jurisdiction

Answer 20

Having control,or authority over someone or something

Question 21

Civil Case

Answer 21

a dispute between two more parties consisting of the first party, or plaintiff, accusing the second party, or defendant, of violating a civil law and causing injury or damage to them, the plaintiff (either party may be an individual or a corporation)

Question 22

Federal Courts of Appeal

Answer 22

Hear appeals from district courts and determine whether the trial court committed prejudicial error

Question 23

Prejudicial error

Answer 23

Errors of fact that are considered so incorrect they are determined to be an error of law

Question 24

Reverse

Answer 24

Modify a judgement

Question 25

Remand

Answer 25

Send the judgement back

Question 26

Affirm

Answer 26

Keep the decision in effect

Question 27

Federal Courts of Appeal

Answer 27

Have nationwide authority in areas including:international trade, government contracts, patents, trademarks, specific money claims against the U.S. government, etc.; consist of 12 courts across the United States

Question 28

Patents

Answer 28

Grant of property right to an inventor

Question 29

Trademark

Answer 29

Word, name, symbol, or device used by manufacturers or merchants to identify and distinguish their goods from those of others

Question 30

Supreme Court

Answer 30

Highest level in the U.S court system; consists of a Chief Justice and eight associate justices

Question 31

Judiciary Branch of Government

Answer 31

Explains and applies laws by hearing legal trials and making rulings on them.

Question 32

U.S. Constitution

Answer 32

Contains the fundamental laws of the United States

Question 33

The Chief Justice

Answer 33

Holds a lifetime position unless he/she makes the decision to step down, and is elected by the president of the United States; shares responsibilities with the president

Question 34

Justice of the peace

Answer 34

A judge who handles minor legal issues, such as misdemeanors, small claims, traffic matters, performs marriages, etc