Judiciary

Question 1

What is jurisdiction?

Answer 1

The official territory and types of cases over which a court exercises authority

Question 2

What is original jurisdiction?

Answer 2

The court in which the case is first heard

Question 3

What is appellate jurisdiction?

Answer 3

Higher courts reviewing decisions of the lower court

Question 4

What is a criminal case?

Answer 4

Charges to the defendant who is accused of breaking a law

Question 5

What is a civil case?

Answer 5

Conflict between two parties
ex: individuals, corporation, government

Question 6

What is a felony?

Answer 6

Highest criminal offense under state or federal law

Question 7

What is a misdemeanor?

Answer 7

Class of criminal offenses that are minor wrongdoings

Question 8

Common law

Answer 8

Past decisions by courts applied to a new case

Question 9

Probate

Answer 9

Official recognition and registration of the validity of a persons last will and testament

Question 10

Bench trial

Answer 10

Trial in which a single judge decides guilt or innocence and punishment

Question 11

Jury trial

Answer 11

A group of individuals picked at random decides on guilt or innocence

Question 12

Municipal court

Answer 12

Original jurisdiction over violations of city ordinances

Question 13

Statutory court

Answer 13

Established to help with judiciary responsibilities

Question 14

District court

Answer 14

Trial courts that handle most major criminal and civil cases and cases over $200

Question 15

Appellate courts

Answer 15

Do not hold trials, review legal issues decided by lower courts

Question 16

Opinion

Answer 16

A document expressing the view of the judges reasoning

Question 17

Dual structure

Answer 17

Cases sorted by the type of issue, one for criminal matters and one for civil matters

Question 18

Mandatory review

Answer 18

Cases required to be heard by a specific court

Question 19

Caseload

Answer 19

Workload of the judiciary

Question 20

Disposal

Answer 20

When a case is taken off the courts docket, generally by being heard or dismissed

Question 21

Justice gap

Answer 21

Wealthy groups have better assistance and outcomes than those with less resources

Question 22

Merit selection

Answer 22

State officials send recommendation and governor selects nominees from that list