1. Unit 4: Law & the Legal System
Courts & Jurisdiction

2. Levels of Courts Federal courts State Courts District Courts
U.S. Court of Appeal
U.S. Supreme Court
Special Court
State Courts
General Trial Courts
Intermediate Appellate Courts
State Supreme Court

3. State Courts Address violations of state constitutions & state laws
States have own penal code : set of criminal laws
State Court System:
Trial courts = all civil & criminal cases
Appeals courts = review cases from trial courts
State supreme courts = highest court in state
Most judges elected / some states appoint SC judges
Missouri Plan – committee makes list of judges & governor picks from list

4. Federal Courts Violations of US Constitution & federal laws
Types of cases:
Civil – involves a lawsuit filed (plaintiff) and a defendant; court decides responsibility
Criminal – involves a crime committed
Plaintiff (government) v. Defendant (accused)

5. Jurisdiction Jurisdiction – a court’s authority to hear a case
4 types of jurisdiction:
Original jurisdiction – court’s authority to hear a case 1st
Appellate jurisdiction – court’s authority to hear appeals
Exclusive jurisdiction – only federal courts have authority to hear cases
Concurrent jurisdiction – both federal & state