Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman

Structure of State Courts Minor Courts Municipal courts Trial Courts County, circuit, superior, district, common pleas courts Appellate Courts Court of last resort LO 7.1 Back to learning objectives Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman

State Courts and Politics State judges are more likely to decide cases involving their legislative and executive branches. State judges are not constrained by doctrine of federalism when dealing with local units. State supreme court can give advisory opinions. Structure of State Courts LO 7.1 Back to learning objectives

How Judges Are Chosen Appointment by the Governor Election by the Legislature Popular Election Modified/Missouri Plan This is used in most states and provides that when a judicial vacancy occurs a special nominating commission nominates three candidates, the governor selects one who then serves as a judge for at least a year. AT the next general election the voters are asked if the appointee should be retained. If a majority agrees the judge serves a new full term. When a judge runs against his or her own record it is called a retention election. LO 7.2 Back to learning objectives Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman

LO 7.2 Back to learning objectives Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman

The Criminal Justice System Loosely connected institutions Juries Prosecutors Defense counsels Public defenders Victims Defendants LO 7.3 Back to learning objectives Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman

Prisons Prisons are for committed criminals serving long sentences. Jails are for short-term stays for people awaiting trial and those with sentences of a year or less. LO 7.4 Back to learning objectives Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman

LO 7.4 Back to learning objectives Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman

LO 7.5 Back to learning objectives Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman