Judicial Branch in a Flash: Court Systems and Trials

Which court did the U.S. Constitution explicitly create?

• The State Supreme Courts

• The Federal District Courts

• The Supreme Court of the United States

• The Courts of Appeals

Which statement best describes the dual court system in the United States?

• Only federal courts hear all serious crimes

• Federal courts are organized by each state

• Federal and state courts operate side by side

• State courts apply federal laws nationwide

A dispute over a state traffic law being violated would most likely be heard in which court system?

• A federal district court anywhere

• The United States Supreme Court

• A federal appellate court panel

• A state trial court within the state

Which scenario is a civil case rather than a criminal case?

• A person is charged with burglary at night

• A driver faces prosecution for DUI

• A suspect is indicted for bank robbery

• A neighbor sues over damaged property rights

In a jury trial at the trial court level, who decides the verdict?

• A three-judge appellate panel majority

• A grand jury after reviewing charges

• The judge alone without any jurors

• A group of twelve jurors after hearing evidence

Which statement best describes what an appellate court does?

• Enforces laws through police investigations

• Holds jury trials to decide guilt or innocence

• Reviews a trial court decision for legal error

• Hears new evidence and new witnesses

In the usual court hierarchy, which order goes from lowest to highest?

• Supreme Court, Trial Court, Court of Appeals

• Court of Appeals, Supreme Court, Trial Court

• Trial Court, Supreme Court, Court of Appeals

• Trial Court, Court of Appeals, Supreme Court

When an appellate court finds no error, what is the most likely outcome?

• The trial court’s decision is affirmed

• The case is sent back to start over

• The decision is reversed and changed

• A jury is formed to rehear evidence

Why do most appellate cases use a panel of judges instead of a jury?

• Juries must review all new evidence

• Appellate courts decide legal errors, not facts

• Constitution requires juries for all appeals

• Panels are faster than single judges

Which example shows judicial review by the U.S. Supreme Court?

• Setting criminal punishments for a case

• Choosing which cases to accept for appeal

• Declaring a federal law unconstitutional

• Rehearing witness testimony from a trial