1. The Federal Courts
Original Jurisdiction: Court hears cases for the first time.
Appellate jurisdiction: Court hears cases on appeal, or cases that have been heard by a lower court in the past.

2. U.S. District Courts (lowest level of federal courts)
Total: At least 1 per state (89 total)
ORIGINAL JURISDICTION ONLY—ONLY HEAR CASES FOR THE FIRST TIME   
Jury? Yes, this is the only federal court with a jury.
Number of judges? At least 2 judges per court.
Who appoints the judges? The president of the U.S. appoints and the U.S. Senate confirms.
How much are they paid? $169,300
How long do they serve? Lifetime tenure.
Types of Cases Heard: 300,000 criminal and civil cases per year. Criminal cases include mail fraud, income tax evasion, bank robbery and treason. Civil cases include disputes involving labor relations, public lands, copyright and patent laws, and civil rights.

3. The U.S. District Court in Trenton
In NJ, we have 3 district courts:
Newark
Camden
Trenton
The U.S. District Court in Trenton

4. U.S. Court of Appeals Appellate jurisdiction only
Jury? No, only a panel of judges—trials are not held here, rather a panel of 3+ judges hears arguments from attorneys on either side and reviews the lower court trial records.
Number of judges? 6-27 judges per court
Who appoints the judges? The U.S. President appoints and Senate approves
How much are they paid? $179,500/year
How long do they serve? Lifetime appointment
How do the judges decide on a case? (hint: 1 of 3 rulings)
1. uphold the lower court’s verdict
2. return the case to the lower court for a new trial
3. overturn the lower court’s verdict

6. THE U.S. SUPREME COURT
Mostly APPELLATE Jurisdiction (cases from lower federal and state courts) AND ORIGINAL JURISDICTION (cases with foreign diplomats and cases involving a state)
How do they choose their cases? Cases that pose significant legal or constitutional questions or are of great public interest and concern.
How many petitions vs. cases heard? 6,000 petitions, 150 chosen for a full hearing.
Define: Judicial Review: the Court can review any federal or state law to see if it is in agreement with the Constitution. If the Court finds that a law is unconstitutional, it can nullify (cancel) the law.
How many justices? 9—8 associate judges and 1 chief justice
How much are they paid? $213,900 Associate Judges and $ for Chief Justice
How long do they serve for? Lifetime

7. Current US Supreme Court Justices

9. US Tax Court Hears appeals dealing with federal tax laws
Hears cases from taxpayers who have a dispute with the IRS

10. US Court of Federal Claims
Citizens who sue the government for money
If the citizen wins the case, Congress must appropriate money to pay the claim

11. US Court of Military Appeals
Appeals court for military trials

12. US Court of Int’l Trade
Trade and tariff laws.

13. State Court Misdemeanor:
“lesser” crime, one punishable with incarceration for one year or less
Felony: a serious crime

14. Misdemeanor or Felony?

15. Municipal Court Type of Jurisdiction: Original
Other names for this type of court?
Justice court/ police court
What types of cases do these courts hear?
Traffic violations, disturbing the peace, civil cases involving small sums of money
Where are these courts found?
Towns, cities, small communities

17. General Trial Court
All different types, depending on the state, but mostly original jurisdiction for felonies
How is innocence or guilt determined in this type of court?
 Juries of 12 hear and decide cases. A judge guides the jury and does the sentencing
What types of cases do these courts hear?
Felonies
Where are these courts found?
Depends on the state. In NJ, each county has a general trial court

18. Essex County Courthouse

19. State Appellate Courts
Appellate jurisdiction only (cases from trial court)
Why would an appellate court review a case/hear an appeal?
Usually because the trial court violated one of the defendant’s constitutional rights to a fair trial.
Who works in this type of court?
No jury, panel of judges reviews the records of the trial court’s proceedings.

20. State Supreme Court Mostly appellate jurisdiction
Who works in this type of court? How do they get their job?
No jury, panel of judges, usually elected by voters (in NJ, appointed by governor)
How do they hear cases in this type of court?
The judges hear arguments from lawyers on both sides and decides the case by majority vote

21. NJ State Supreme Court