At the heart of every judicial proceeding is_________
The law
At the heart of every law is_________
A potential conflict
The judicial system’s job is to:
Resolve conflicts peacefully, in accordance with the law, an in a manner that most parties find fair and just.
Criminal law
Punishes those who fail to obey the law
Civil law
Resolves conflicts between two parties, a private party and the government, or the state government and the US
Who controls legal proceedings?
The judge
What do you call the person accused of a crime in a criminal trial?
The defendant
Define prosecute
To bring criminal proceedings against an accused person.
What do you call the lawyer(s) bringing evidence against the accused person in a criminal trial?
The prosecution
Which type of case has a jury present?
(civil/criminal)
Civil trials
The person bringing a lawsuit to court in a civil trial is called what?
The plaintiff
The person a lawsuit is being brought up against is called what?
The defendant
What do witnesses do?
Testify in court and provide evidence pertaining to the case.
What is cross examination?
When the lawyers from the other side ask questions to question a witnesses truthfulness.
How many people does a typical jury have?
12
What are the requirements for being on a jury? (5 things)
- Be a US citizen
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be able to understand English
- Be a resident within the court’s jurisdiction
- Not be a convicted felon
How many district courts are there?
94
What is the definition of original jurisdiction?
The ability to hear cases for the first time
What court has original juristiction?
District courts
What are the 3 courts?
District, Appeals, Supreme
Which court is the only one where witnesses testify?
District
Juries are only present in which court?
District
What is the definition of appellate juristiction?
Review decisions made in lower districts
How many courts of appeals are there?
12
