Today’s Learning Goal: I can distinguish between the levels and structures of our federal and state court systems.

Agenda Time/Mins Warm-Up 5 Presentation/Graphic Organizer: 20 Our Court System Civil vs. Criminal State vs. Federal Levels of Courts Trial vs. Appeals Courts Video: Structure of the Court System 10 CLOZE Activity 10 Exit Assignment: Do I Know my Courts? 10 HOMEWORK: The Case of the Barking Dog

Warm Up appeals trial federal criminal supreme civil state Determines whether the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt If you want to sue someone, you would use this court Has jurisdiction (power) within all of Massachusetts Highest court in the U.S. or within a state If you lose at trial you might take your case here A court of law where cases are tried first The courts of the United States appeals trial federal criminal supreme civil state

The Court System: An Introduction

Goals for Learning: I can explain the difference between civil and criminal courts I understand the difference between a state and a federal court

Criminal vs. Civil Courts Settle disputes between two or more persons or groups Plaintiff (person harmed) vs. defendant (alleged wrongdoer) No jail or prison Usually money paid for damages done CRIMINAL COURTS Protect people and society by punishing criminals Prosecutor (the government) vs. defendant (accused person) Possible Jail or prison term

State vs. Federal Courts State Courts Each state has its own court system Hear both civil and criminal cases involving state law Includes trial courts, appeals courts, and supreme courts (levels of courts) Federal Courts The U.S. has its own court system Hear both civil and criminal cases involving federal law Includes trial courts, appeals courts, and Supreme Court (levels of courts)

Does this emblem represent a State or a Federal Court?

Levels of Courts State Courts Trial Courts are called Superior, County, District, or Municipal Courts Appeals are made to an Intermediate Court of Appeals Final appeals are made to the State Supreme Court (SJC in Mass.) Federal Courts Trial Courts are called U.S. District Courts Appeals are made to U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Final appeal ends with U.S. Supreme Court

Levels of Courts

Federal and State Courts US. Supreme Court State Supreme Court (Highest State Court) US Circuit Court of Appeals Intermediate Court of Appeals FEDERAL CASES STATE CASES US District Court (Federal Trials) Municipal or County Court (Local Trials) 11

What is the difference between a trial court and an appeals court?”

Overview: Trial vs. Appeals Court USUALLY A TRIAL COURT IS WHEN SOMEONE IS TAKEN TO COURT FOR SOME REASON OR ANOTHER THE APPELLATE (Appeals) COURT IS WHEN YOU WANT TO APPEAL A DECISION THAT WAS MADE BY THE JUDGE OR JURY

APPEALS COURT TRIAL COURT reviews decisions of lower courts do NOT hear testimony or examine new evidence hears oral arguments from the attorneys involved in the appeal May uphold the decision of the trial court, or return the case to the trial court for reconsideration or a new trial TRIAL COURT hears testimony examines evidence rules on the admissibility of evidence issues a judgment or verdict on the case imposes sentence or penalties (criminal) /damages (civil)

Structure of the Court System