Midterm Flashcards
Three Branches of Government
Legislative- (Congress)
Executive- (President)
Judicial- (Supreme Court)
Courts Special Power-Judicial Review
Courts can strike down laws that violate the constitution.
Federalism
Governments power is divided between the national government and the state government. Federal government has enumerated (limited) power, but overrules state laws
The Commerce Clause
Gives the Congress the most significant power to regulate interstate commerce
Current Federal Court System
US District Courts, US Courts of Appeals, US Supreme Court
Federal courts hear cases that violate the constitution, are federal crimes, involving two states.
U.S District Court handles…
Prosecution of federal crimes (federal trial court)
US Courts of Appeals (Circuit Court) handles…
Affirm, reverse, or modify lower courts decisions (panel of three judges and there are 13 courts of appeals)
Typical State Court Structure (Lowest to Highest)
Courts of Limited Jurisdiction
Courts of General Jurisdiction
Intermediate Appellate Courts
State Supreme Court
Courts of Limited Jurisdiction
Municipal Court, hears minor cases
Courts of General Jurisdiction
Felony cases and appeals from courts of limited jurisdiction
Intermediate Appellate Court
Hears appeals from trial courts, must hear all
American Criminal Law is rooted from…
Common Law
Precedent (president decides later and similar cases)
1st Amendment
Freedom of Religion (government can’t interfere with individual religious practices)
Freedom of Assembly
Freedom of Speech
2nd Amendment
Keep and bear arms
4th Amendment
Forbids unreasonable search and seizures
5th Amendment
Right to indictment by a grand jury.
Prohibits double jeopardy
Right to due process
Privlidge against self incrimination
6th Amendment
Right to speedy and public trial Be notified of charges against oneself Right to impartial jury Right to civil council Right to confront witnesses against oneself
8th Amendment
Prohibits excessive bail and fines.
Prohibits cruel and unusual punishment
9th Amendment
Bill of rights isn’t an exhaustive list of citizens rights.
Right to privacy
Right to abortion
10th Amendment
Principle of federalism
Federal government has listed powers and implies powers connected to the enumerated powers.
14th Amendment
Applies bill of rights to states. Due process and equal protection in all states.
Bill of Attainder
Prohibits punishment without a fair trial
Void of Vagueness
Must clearly define the act prohibited
Overbreadth Doctrine
Must narrowly define the specific behavior to be restricted or prohibited
Ex Posto Facto Clause
Can’t punish for laws passed after crime committed, can’t increase punishment or fines, applies laws in effect on the date of offense
Right to Council Facts
Supported by 6th amendment
Defendant has right to attorney throughout entire process
Indigent defendants don’t have right to choose their counsel
Crime Math Equation
Crime=Wrongful Act + Criminal Intent + Concurrence of criminal act and criminal intent