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

2. 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
Exit Assignment: Do I Know my Courts?
HOMEWORK: The Case of the Barking Dog

3. 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

4. The Court System: An Introduction

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

6. 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

7. 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)

8. Does this emblem represent a State or a Federal Court?

9. 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

10. Levels of Courts

11. 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

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

14. 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

15. 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)

16. Structure of the Court System