Semester Beginning

Question 1

What type of court system does the United States have?

Answer 1

Dual court system.

Question 2

What is the difference between federal and state courts?

Answer 2

Federal courts handle cases involving federal laws, while state courts handle cases involving state laws.

Question 3

What’s the hierarchy of state courts?

Answer 3

Trial Courts (Superior, County, Municipal), Appellate Courts, State Supreme Court.

Question 4

What are the three levels of federal courts?

Answer 4

District Courts (trial), Circuit Courts of Appeal, U.S. Supreme Court.

Question 5

What is the role of magistrate courts?

Answer 5

Handle minor offenses, preliminary hearings, and other limited functions.

Question 6

Who determines the salary of state judges?

Answer 6

The state legislature

Question 7

Who determines the salary of federal judges?

Answer 7

Congress

Question 8

Who created the federal court system?

Answer 8

The legislative branch (Congress)

Question 9

What are trial courts responsible for?

Answer 9

Determining facts, hearing evidence, and applying the law to reach a verdict.

Question 10

What types of cases do Superior Courts often handle?

Answer 10

Serious felonies, large civil cases, and family law matters.

Question 11

What is the role of appellate courts?

Answer 11

Review lower court decisions to ensure proper law application and protect the defendant’s rights.

Question 12

What is the highest court in a state?

Answer 12

State Supreme Court.

Question 13

Is a driver’s license a right or a privilege?

Answer 13

A priviledge

Question 14

What are judges?

Answer 14

Public officials who preside over court proceedings.

Question 15

What is the primary role of a judge?

Answer 15

To ensure fair and impartial trials.

Question 16

How do judges ensure fair trials?

Answer 16

By remaining neutral and unbiased.

Question 17

What is another key role of a judge?

Answer 17

To interpret and apply the law to the specific facts of each case.

Question 18

What is the role of a judge in maintaining order in the courtroom?

Answer 18

Overseeing courtroom procedures, controlling the flow of the trial, and ensuring all parties follow legal rules.

Question 19

What is the role of a judge in criminal cases?

Answer 19

Determining appropriate punishments for convicted defendants.

Question 20

What are the two primary methods for becoming a judge?

Answer 20

Appointment and Election

Question 21

How are federal judges typically appointed?

Answer 21

The President nominates them, and the U.S. Senate confirms them.

Question 22

How are many state judges selected?

Answer 22

They are elected by the public.

Question 23

What are the types of judicial elections?

Answer 23

Nonpartisan elections and partisan elections (candidates from the same political party).

Question 24

What are some limitations on judicial campaigning?

Answer 24

Judges cannot campaign in ways that reveal personal opinions or political affiliations that could compromise their impartiality.

Question 25

How does the legislature control the courts?

Answer 25

Through legislative power, budgetary control, jurisdiction, constitutional amendments, and impeachment.

Question 26

How does legislative power allow the legislature to control the courts?

Answer 26

By creating the laws that courts interpret and apply, controlling the funding for courts, and defining the types of cases courts can hear.

Question 27

How can constitutional amendments be used to control the courts?

Answer 27

Legislatures can suggest changes to the state constitution, which can affect how the courts are set up and what powers they have.

Question 28

What is impeachment, and how does it relate to the legislative control of the courts?

Answer 28

The process of removing a public official from office for misconduct. In some cases, legislatures have the power to impeach judges.