2. Chapter 10 The Judicial Branch 3.28.07 1.Complete warm-up Define following words: PlaintiffDefendant ProsecutionPrecedent Original jurisdictionAppeal 2.Review homework 3.Identify the need for laws and courts in our society

3. The Role of Federal courts What is the purpose of our legal system? Legal conflicts are resolved by courts of law Courts Interpret the law Two kinds of courts Civil Settle disagreement Criminal Innocent or guilty of breaking a law

4. Civil Case Plaintiff Individual who brings a complaint against another party Defendant Party who answers the complaint and defends against it

5. Criminal Case Prosecution Government body that brings a criminal charge against a defendant who is accused of breaking the law –Usually referred to as “The People”

6. The Judge The judge Applies the law to the conflict between the parties –Must maintain neutrality

7. How to interpret the law? The law says no motor cars… but does that mean no remote controlled cars? The court uses precedent. A guideline for how all similar cases should be decided in the future.

8. Jurisdiction Original jurisdiction The authority to hear a case first Determines the facts in the case

9. Appeal –Asking a higher court to review decision and determine if justice was done Appellate courts Do not hold another trial They determine if the law was applied fairly Can let decision stand Or order another trial That trial is held in the original jurisdiction

10. Supreme Court Highest Appellate court is The Supreme Court

11. Organization of Federal Courts #1. Federal Courts –94 federal district courts –Each state has at least on district court 12 courts of appeals –Handle appeals for the federal districts

12. Supreme Court Highest federal court Purpose is to serve as the final court of appeals for state and federal courts

13. Homework: Write a one page essay that answers the following question: What might happen if we didn’t have an organized legal system?