Judicial Branch Unit Assessment

Which court system is the only court discussed in the Constitution?

• District Courts

• Courts of Appeal

• The Supreme Court

• State Courts

How many levels or tiers are there in the federal court system?

• One

• Two

• Three

• Four

What type of court hears cases like the following: A case involving a federal law or dispute that is heard for the first time. During this case, both sides get to present evidence and call witnesses to testify on their behalf. Either a judge or a jury issues a decision, called a verdict. The verdict is based on the lawyers’ arguments, the evidence, and, most importantly, how the law applies in the case.

• District Court

• Court of Appeals

• Supreme Court

What type of court hears cases like the following: If a person disagrees with the first verdict they can take it to the next court. There are no juries present in these courts nor can lawyers present new evidence for their clients. Three judges review what happened during the trial and the law that was applied, and then decide if the lower court made a mistake or conducted an unfair trial.

• District Court

• Court of Appeals

• Supreme Court

What type of court hears cases like the following: A case that needs to be reviewed or a case with national significance that usually brings into question whether a law or government action goes against the Constitution. It is presented to nine judges.

• District Court

• Court of Appeals

• Supreme Court

New Mexico's state court structure mirrors the structure of the US federal courts, consisting of a three tier system.

• True

• False

A court's authority to hear a case is best defined as:

• Judicial Review

• Jurisdiction

• Precedent

• Stare Decisis

State courts have the jurisdiction to hear all of the following cases EXCEPT:

• contract law

• traffic violations

• Inheritance

• U.S. constitution questions

What court system hears the majority of cases in America?

• Federal Courts

• State Courts

When more than one court has the authority to hear a case, it is better known as (a)   jurisdiction.

• Concurrent

• Diversity

• Exclusive subject matter

• Original