1. Each state has its own judicial system that hears nonfederal cases
Each state has its own judicial system that hears nonfederal cases. The exact composition of these judicial systems varies from state to state but generally includes the follow three levels:
Trial courts, which are the first courts to hear a case. Often, states will establish specialized trial courts to hear cases related to a certain subject matter, such as probate courts to hear matters related to will and estates, and family courts to hear matters related to divorce and child custody.
Courts of appeal, which review the judgments of the trial courts
A state supreme court, which is the highest appellate court in the state.
Decisions of a state's supreme court can be appealed to a federal court of appeals and, ultimately, the United States Supreme Court if they involve federal law.
What is the power of judicial review? How does judicial review act as a check against the power of the legislative and executive branches of government? Write 2-3 sentences for your answer.

2. Appellate, State, and Federal Courts
Appeals Courts
Appellate, State, and Federal Courts

3. America’s duel court system
Original Jurisdiction

4. Jurisdiction in state and federal courts
Cases Heard in State Courts
Crimes punishable under state law
Traffic violations
Divorce & child custody disputes
Most contract disputes
Most personal injury lawsuits
Cases Heard in Federal Courts
Matters involving interstate & international commerce
Disputes involving federal taxes or federal programs
Patent & copyright issues
Issues involving treaties and foreign countries
Disputes between states
Cases Heard in Both State & Federal Courts
Crimes punishable under both state & federal laws
Environmental regulations
Certain civil rights claims
Civil actions involving large groups of people seeking damages
Issues involving the U.S. Constitution
Jurisdiction in state and federal courts

5. State courts Hear cases that deal w/ state law as well as federal law
IL state courts hear ~3,500,000 cases per year
Courts often specialized to deal w/ specific legal issues
Family, traffic, criminal, small claims, probate, etc.
If state supreme court decision only involves states law, it can be appealed no further
If it involves federal law, appeal to SCOTUS possible

6. the Illinois Court System

7. Federal Courts Hear criminal & civil cases involving federal law
Hear ~300,000 cases per year
Federal trial courts called U.S. District Courts
Federal appeals courts called U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeal
94 District Courts, 13 Circuit Courts
Most federal appeals courts have 15 justices

8. Federal Courts
Four scenarios where federal district courts have original jurisdiction:
Cases involving federal law
Cases involving treaties
Cases involving U.S. Constitution
Cases where U.S. Gov’t is party to litigation
Also, cases involving litigants of 2+ states and $70,000+ can be heard in federal court

9. Appellate courts Appeals courts have appellate jurisdiction
Have the authority to review decisions made in lower courts
DO NOT second-guess decisions made by lower courts
Instead, focus on whether trial in lower court was carried out in a fair manner, with no errors of law
Error of law: mistake made by judge in applying law to a case

10. Appellate courts
One party presents arguments asking the court to review trial court decision
One party presents arguments supporting trial court decision
No new evidence, testimony is presented
No juries
Only judges & lawyers

11. Establishing precedent
Appeals court decides case, issues written opinion
Opinion sets a precedent for similar cases in the future
All lower courts in the area MUST follow precedent set by higher court decision
Courts in other parts of the country DO NOT have to follow precedent if not under same jurisdiction

12. Appeals process Panel of 3-9 justices hear arguments
Most appeals courts: 3
SCOTUS: 9
When justices disagree, two or more written opinions may be issued:
Majority Opinion: Official decision of the court
Dissenting Opinion: States reasons for disagreeing w/ majority opinion
Concurring Opinion: Agree w/ majority, but for different reasons
Dissenting opinions are important!
Reasoning may become basis for future opinions

13. Judges: elected or appointed?
Appointed by President, confirmed by Senate:
Federal judges
Supreme Court justices
Elected by people:
Illinois state judges