Unit 2 Flashcards
What issues do appellate courts review?
Law
What is the primary function of appellate courts?
review/correct errors of law
make laws
What is ceiling on small claims in NYS?
$10,000 Civil
$15,000 commercial
What is the highest court in NY?
NYS Court of appeals
What is probate court called in NY?
Surrogate’s Court
What does a probate court handle?
Wills & Estates; guardianship of assets of passed; trial court (3rd/4 state tier)
What is the NY State Supreme Court Called?
NYS Court of Appeals
What is the basic trial court called in NYS?
Supreme Court
What do Inferior Courts handle?
small claims court, marriage license, traffic court, pro se (do not need attorney); niche
Pro se
does not require attorney
Purpose of inferior courts?
to reduce load of cases in higher courts; more so menial
Describe Trial Court
3rd layer of state courts
jury decides credibility of evidence presented / issues of fact
judge facilitates procedural law (process and rights honored)
What is a bench trial? When would this occur?
Defendant waives the constitutional right to a jury of peers (6/7th Am.)
- Prosecution attorney cannot present motion
- only defense team
Judge is sole decision maker
Ex: crime where public is angry/bias may affect judgement
How many judicial District Courts in the US?
94 in all 50 states & territories
How many District Courts in NY?
4
Why and how do District Courts work?
examine evidence and determine what are facts to render decision;
generally a jury w/ a federal judge
What is a District Court?
lowest level of federal court system (basic trial court)
courts of original jurisdiction
population based (at least 1 per state)
Trial Jury vs Grand Jury
Trial: 6-12 people who listen to both sides and come to verdict (liable in civil, guilty in criminal); generally public, but jury deliberation private. Judge functions as facilitator in jury trials
Grand: (25 people) listen to prosecution & decide if should move forward w/ charges; defense can only argue
Why do jury trials diminish some appeal arguments?
Since verdict is determined/charged by citizens rather than attorney, harder to argue bias
Ex: high felony cases w/ people in office
How many speciality courts? Name them
7
Federal Claims, Tax, International Trade, Veteran Claims, District of Columbia, Territorial, Armed Forces