Navigating the Judicial Branch and Its Impact

What is not a primary function of courts?

• Setting expectations for future actions

• Creating laws

• Interpreting laws

• Resolving disputes

Which court system does most legal action in the U.S. occur?

• Federal court

• State court

• Municipal court

• International court

What does the hierarchical structure of the federal courts imply?

• Federal judges are elected

• All courts have the same level of authority

• Decisions can be appealed to a higher court

• Cases are only tried once

Why are federal judges appointed for life?

• Because it's a tradition

• To make it difficult to change the law

• To maintain their independence from politics

• To ensure they get a good pension

What is a key characteristic of common law?

• It is written by legislatures

• It is the same as statutory law

• It consists of past court decisions

• It applies only in criminal cases

What differentiates trial courts from appellate courts?

• Trial courts determine the facts of a case

• Appellate courts decide on the facts of a case

• Appellate courts have juries

• Trial courts only hear criminal cases

What is the role of the prosecution in a criminal case?

• To prove the defendant committed the crime

• To appeal the case

• To defend the accused

• To judge the case

What happens if you lose a civil case?

• You become a defendant in a criminal case

• You automatically appeal

• You may have to pay damages

• You go to prison

What is not a type of law discussed in the video?

• Criminal law

• Civil law

• Private law

• Public law

What can cause a civil or criminal case to become public law?

• If it involves a celebrity

• If it lasts more than a year

• If it involves constitutional rights

• If it's broadcast on television