Federal Court Organization

Multiple Choice

Under the guidelines of the Constitution, which of the following is NOT within the jurisdiction of the federal courts?

• cases involving federal law

• cases involving interpretation of state constitutions

• cases involving interpretation of the federal Constitution

• treaties

Open Ended

You be the judge – what will the Supreme Court rule? Why?

Multiple Choice

Who was responsible for Joshua’s injury?

• His father

• The state

• DSS

• No one

Multiple Choice

Was Joshua deprived of his rights?

• Yes

• No

• Not sure

• Depends on the case

Multiple Choice

What is the question before the court?

• Was Joshua deprived of his rights?

• Who was responsible for Joshua’s injury?

• What will the Supreme Court rule?

Multiple Choice

Dred Scott took his case to _________. 

• the state court
• the north
• the supreme court
• the south

Multiple Choice

What are the three levels of the federal court system?

• County, Trial, Supreme

• District, Appeals, Supreme

• Criminal, Civil, Appeals

• Trial, County, District

Multiple Choice

What is the role of a "Petitioner" in a judicial context?

• A person who makes a formal application to a court for a writ, judicial action in a suit, etc.

• A person who defends against a lawsuit.

• A person who appeals a decision from a lower court.

• A person who provides legal advice in court.

Open Ended

How should we label each level of our pyramid?

Multiple Choice

How can you remember the levels/organization of the judicial branch?

• By using the acronym SAD

• By memorizing the court hierarchy

• By drawing a diagram

• By reading the constitution

Multiple Choice

What is the original jurisdiction of district courts?

• First court to hear a case

• Last court to hear a case

• Appeal court

• Supreme court

Multiple Choice

What is the primary role of district courts in the legal system?

• To decide guilt/innocence in civil and criminal cases

• To create laws

• To enforce laws

• To provide legal advice

Multiple Choice

What do district courts do?

• Hear appeals

• Conduct trials

• Review laws

• Enforce laws

Multiple Choice

What is the primary function of the Circuit Courts of Appeals?

• To hear cases from the Supreme Court

• To hear cases from district courts on appeal

• To conduct trials for criminal cases

• To oversee state court decisions

Multiple Choice

What are the geographic boundaries of the U.S. Courts of Appeals as shown in the map?

• D.C. Circuit

• Federal Circuit

• 1st Circuit

• 9th Circuit

Multiple Choice

What are the three options a circuit court has when considering a case from a district court?

• Uphold decision

• Reverse decision

• Remand

• Dismiss case

Multiple Choice

The Supreme Court has accepted these cases most often as part of its original jurisdiction?

• violations of any federal law

• interstate commerce and lawsuits between states

• lawsuits between citizens of different states

• federally appointed officials

Multiple Choice

What is the primary role of the Supreme Court as described in the image?

• To create laws

• To interpret the Constitution

• To enforce laws

• To hear all cases

Multiple Choice

What kind of jurisdiction does the Supreme Court have?

• Original jurisdiction

• Appellate jurisdiction

• Both

• Neither

Open Ended

Which FEDERAL court would hear the case AND why?

Multiple Choice

What legal issue is presented in the case of the woman convicted of mail fraud?

• She was denied access to her attorney

• She was not aware of her rights

• She was accused of drug trafficking

• She is appealing a court decision

Multiple Choice

What is the purpose of the link provided in the image?

• To access a quiz

• To view a video

• To download a document

• To join a meeting