Chapter 6The Court System

Arresting

Trying

Convicting

Long time

Many steps

Philosophy of law

Settle disputes

Body of written laws/codes

Regulate interactions

Civil:-”private law”

-between private parties-preponderance of the evidence

Criminal:-violation of laws-Government/people violated-beyond reasonable doubt

• Territory/subject/people

• Court

• Exercise lawful authority

• Statute or constitution

Article 3 of US Constitution:The judicial power of the United States, shall be vested in one

Supreme Court, and in such inferior courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish.

-Marbury v. Madison (1803)

-”judicial review” -power to declare laws/acts uncosntitutional

100 courts for US

13 federal judicial circuits

8 justices/1 Chief justice-appointed by president/confirmed by senate-serve for life

Appeals:-constitutional issues

-not guilt/innocence-over turn convictions-not free/retrial

Majority:-agree in outcome/reasoning (opinion)

Concurring:-agree outcome/different reasons

Dissenting:-disagree

Limited jurisdiction:-municipal/traffic

General jurisdiction:-trial courts

Appellate:-review transcripts-hear arguments-not guilt/innocence