Legal Terms and Court System

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appeal

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a request, made after a trial, asking a higher court to reverse a lower court decision

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appellate court

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any court that has the power to hear appeals from lower courts

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case

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a matter that goes before a judge or court of law

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Chief Justice

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the head justice of the U.S. Supreme Court; also known as the “first among equals”

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circuit court

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a court for a defined region of a state (usually including several counties) that has specific divisions and hears cases involving more serious crimes (felonies) and civil cases involving large amounts of money (more than $1000)

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civil case

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a case involving the rights of citizens

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county court

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a court that hears both civil and criminal cases involving less serious crimes or minor issues for one specific county.

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court order

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a formal statement from a court that orders someone to do or stop doing something.

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criminal case

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a court case involving a crime, or violation of public order.

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Federal Judiciary Act of 1789

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legislation that established the federal court system.