Federal and State Courts

Jurisdiction The types of cases a court can hear. Two types of jurisdiction: Original/Appellate. Original: The first step in the judicial process. Where the court only hears the facts of the case. Appellate: This court hears appeals. It does not decide on the facts of the case. Appellate courts determine if the judge in the original trial applied the law correctly. It can either overturn the original judge’s decision or demand a new trial.

UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT Highest court in the federal system Original 1-Cases involving representatives of foreign governments 2-Disputes between two or more states Appellate: All other cases United States Courts of Appeals Intermediate Court, where you go when you lose your case in a district court. 13 circuit courts including D.C. Appellate only United States District Courts Lowest court in the federal system. This is where the first trial begins. 94 judicial districts in 50 states and territories Original only

STATE SUPREME COURT Original and Appellate Jurisdictions STATE APPELLATE COURTS Appellate Jurisdiction State Trial Courts Original Jurisdiction

Where can you go if you lose your case at the State Supreme Court?