Judiciary Flashcards
What is jurisdiction?
The official territory and types of cases over which a court exercises authority
What is original jurisdiction?
The court in which the case is first heard
What is appellate jurisdiction?
Higher courts reviewing decisions of the lower court
What is a criminal case?
Charges to the defendant who is accused of breaking a law
What is a civil case?
Conflict between two parties
ex: individuals, corporation, government
What is a felony?
Highest criminal offense under state or federal law
What is a misdemeanor?
Class of criminal offenses that are minor wrongdoings
Common law
Past decisions by courts applied to a new case
Probate
Official recognition and registration of the validity of a persons last will and testament
Bench trial
Trial in which a single judge decides guilt or innocence and punishment
Jury trial
A group of individuals picked at random decides on guilt or innocence
Municipal court
Original jurisdiction over violations of city ordinances
Statutory court
Established to help with judiciary responsibilities
District court
Trial courts that handle most major criminal and civil cases and cases over $200
Appellate courts
Do not hold trials, review legal issues decided by lower courts
Opinion
A document expressing the view of the judges reasoning
Dual structure
Cases sorted by the type of issue, one for criminal matters and one for civil matters
Mandatory review
Cases required to be heard by a specific court
Caseload
Workload of the judiciary
Disposal
When a case is taken off the courts docket, generally by being heard or dismissed
Justice gap
Wealthy groups have better assistance and outcomes than those with less resources
Merit selection
State officials send recommendation and governor selects nominees from that list
