The Federal Courts Chapter 15

Appellate courts empowered to review all final decisions of district courts, except in rare cases. In addition, they also hear appeals to orders of many federal regulatory agencies.

• Supreme Court

• District Court

• Municipal Court

• Court of Appeals

The pinnacle of the American judicial system. The court ensures uniformity in interpreting national supremacy in law. It has both original jurisdiction and appellate jurisdiction.

• District Court

• Court of Appeals

• Appellate Court

• Supreme Court

What is the meaning of "stare decisis?"

• we stand alone, together
• do not stare
• still to be decided
• let the decision stand

The jurisdiction of courts that hear a case first, usually in a trial. These are the courts that determine the facts of the case

• 1st jurisdiction

• established jurisdiction

• original jurisdiction

• Expelliarmus jurisdiction

The 91 federal courts of original jurisdiction. They are the only federal courts in which trials are held and in which juries may be impaneled?

• district courts

• state courts

• court of appeals

• appellate courts

Appellate courts empowered to review all final decisions of district courts, except in rare cases. In addition, they also hear appeals to orders of many federal regulatory agencies.

• District Court

• Court of Appeals

• Original Court

• Municipal Court

The requirement that plaintiffs have a serious interest in a case, which depends on whether they have sustained or are likely to sustain a direct and substantial injury from another party or from an action of government

• class action suits

• justiciable disputes

• standing to sue

• amicus curiae briefs

Lawsuits in which a small number of people sue on behalf of all people in similar circumstances

• group action suits

• party action suits

• class action suits

• justiciable disputes

Issues capable of being settled as a matter of law

• justiciable diputes

• standing to sue

• class action suits

• amicus curiae

Legal briefs submitted by a "friend of the court" for the purpose of influencing a court's decision by raising additional points of view and presenting information not contained in the briefs of the formal parties

• amicus pocus briefs

• amicus curiae briefs

• justiciable disputes

• standing to sue