LAW102_Session 2_HiepTH9

In order to try a case a court must have jurisdiction:

• Only over the subject matter of the case.

• Only over the persons involved in the case.

• Over both the subject matter of the case and the persons involved.

• Courts do not always have to have jurisdiction.

Special federal courts:

• Have unlimited jurisdiction.

• Have jurisdiction limited by Congress.

• Have jurisdiction limited by the executive.

• Is another name for courts of appeals.

Federal district courts:

• Are appellate courts.

• Do not hear criminal cases.

• Have jurisdiction of civil suits where the amount in controversy is less than $5,000.

• Hear all criminal cases involving a violation of federal law.

The U.S. Supreme Court:

• Does not have original jurisdiction of any cases.

• Has appellate jurisdiction in cases based on the U.S. Constitution, a federal law, or a treaty.

• Does not hear any cases appealed directly from a federal district court.

• Must take all cases appealed to it.

In a typical jury trial:

• The jury is selected before opening statements are made.

• The defendant's evidence is presented before the plaintiff's.

• The verdict may never be set aside

• The defendant has the burden of proof.

An appeal to a higher court from a trial court:

• Can only be made by a defendant.
• Requires a new trial.
• Requires a complete transcript of the trial.
• Requires no preconditions by the appellant.

Are there two court systems in every state because the federal and state court systems have very different functions?

• Yes

• No

Is it the chief function of courts to interpret and apply the law to a given situation?

• Yes

• No

May the parties in a civil action normally represent themselves in court?

• Yes

• No

Must parties to civil or criminal actions always be represented by lawyers?

• Yes

• No