1. Appeals Courts & Federal and State Court Systems
The Court System
Appeals Courts & Federal and State Court Systems

2. Appeals Courts
One party presents arguments asking the appeals court to change the decision of the trial court
NO Juries, witnesses, new evidence
Lawyers appear before judges (3 to 9) to make legal arguments
Legal briefs and oral argument
Error of law vs. Error of fact

3. Appeals Courts (continued)
Must be an Error of Law which affected the outcome of the case
Decisions set PRECEDENT
“Making law”
Lower courts must follow
Dissenting Opinions
Justice Harlan in Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)
Concurring Opinions

4. Read Aloud Activity
Read Aloud The Case of…Taking a Car by Mistake (page 50)

5. Federal and State Court Systems
U.S. Supreme Court
U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals
(Federal Appeals Court)
State Supreme Court
(Highest State Court)
Court of Appeals
(State Appeals Court)
County/Municipal Court
(Local Trial Court)
U.S. District Court
(Federal Trial Court)

6. The Thirteen Federal Judicial Circuits

7. Think, Pair & Share Activity
Problem 5.3, page 54
Work on it on your own first
Pair up with your neighbor and quickly discuss
Class discussion and reflection

8. The U.S. Supreme Court Nine justices “Highest Court in the Land”
All must follow USSC’s precedent
Petitions for Certiorari
8,000 from inmates
99% of all petitions denied
It decides which case it wants to hear
Dispute in lower courts or national policy

9. The USSC (continued)
Cert granted, legal briefs, oral argument, written opinion
Term-1st Monday of October to end of June
Nominated by President and confirmed by Senate
Life-time appointment
Big issues-abortion, death penalty, civil rights, etc.

10. Read Aloud & Class Discussion
Read Aloud The Case of … Gideon v. Wainwright on page 58
Class Discussion of questions a. through d.
DUE PROCESS OF LAW means “fair treatment under the law”