1. Chapter 15
Courts Judges and the Law

2. 1st Supreme Court 6 justices February 2, 1790
Did not hear a case for 3 years

3. Article III Establishes the Supreme Court
Only court required in the “C”

4. Other Courts “C” = Congress may “establish” Judiciary Act 1789
Law established federal judiciary system made up of district and circuit courts and specified the kinds of cases the courts could try

5. And….
Qualifications of federal judges, district attorneys and judicial officials
Set number of SC justices (then 6/now 9)
Established principle that SC decisions are FINAL

6. 15.2
The Main role of the Judicial Branch is to resolve society’s conflicts
In accordance with the law

7. 2 kinds of legal conflicts
Criminal Law
Civil Law

8. Criminal Law
Legal measures passed by a legislative body to protect the welfare of society and provide punishments for those who fail to comply
Examples?

9. government Acts on society’s behalf Always prosecutes criminal cases
People found guilty = fines, prison, probation…

10. Guilty? Must be found guilty “beyond a reasonable doubt” By jury
Absolute and unanimous

11. Civil Law
Legal measures that govern conflicts between private parties or occasionally, between a private party and the government

12. examples Ownership of property Injury Contracts
One party will seek “damages” or compensation ($$$)

13. Burden of Proof Party bring the lawsuit must prove there is
a preponderance of evidence
Meaning?
Must prove that the other party is at fault and should be held libel

14. Decision?
Usually a jury
Awards damages ($) If found guilty

15. The Courtroom Judge = controls legal proceedings
Defendant = person accused of a crime in a criminal trial
Prosecution = government lawyer bringing evidence against the defendant

16. Civil Trial Plaintiff = person bringing the lawsuit to court
Defendant = the accused
Both sides are represented by attorneys

17. During the trial Evidence Witness testimony Officers of the court
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18. citizens
Key roles
Witnesses
Jurors

19. witnesses Can be for the prosecution or the defense Direct questions
Cross-examination
Crucial role = provide information to jury about what happened

20. jury 12 people US citizen 18 years old Understand English
Live in the court’s jurisdiction
Not be a convicted felon

21. Who gets called? Names are pulled from Drivers license (Michigan)
Voter registration

22. Jury Duty Required Being summoned is no guarantee you will serve
4 of 5 are dismissed

23. Selected? Listen to the case Listen to the evidence
Reach a unanimous verdict (decision)
Decision = consequences

24. check What are the 2 types of legal conflicts?
Who has the burden of proof in a case?
What is the name of the person accused of a crime?
What is the name of the person bring charges in a criminal trial?
What is the name of the person bringing charges in a civil trial?