Structure of the Court System: Crash Course Government and Politics

The video explains the hierarchical structure of the US court system, starting with trial courts and moving up to the Supreme Court. It discusses the jurisdiction of federal courts, including district and circuit courts, and the criteria for cases to be heard. The video also covers how cases reach the Supreme Court, the concept of judicial review, and the decision rules the court uses to select cases. The importance of hierarchy in both the court system and the Crash Course organization is highlighted.

What is the main reason for the hierarchical structure in the US court system?

• To increase the number of appeals

• To maintain order and efficiency

• To allow for more judges

• To ensure equal distribution of cases

Where do most legal cases in the United States begin?

• State courts

• International courts

• Federal courts

• Supreme Court

What is the role of the US district courts?

• They handle appeals from state courts

• They review Supreme Court decisions

• They are the trial courts for federal cases

• They only handle civil cases

Under what circumstances does the Supreme Court have original jurisdiction?

• In cases involving state laws

• In cases between two or more states

• In cases involving local disputes

• In cases of minor civil offenses

What is required for a case to be considered by the Supreme Court under its appellate jurisdiction?

• The case must be from a foreign country

• The case must involve a minor dispute

• The case must involve state law

• A federal question must be raised

What does the term 'standing' refer to in the context of the Supreme Court?

• The requirement for parties to have a substantial stake in the outcome

• The physical position of the judges

• The number of judges required to hear a case

• The order in which cases are heard

What is a 'circuit split' and why is it significant?

• A separation of powers issue

• A disagreement between state courts

• A division among circuit courts on a legal issue

• A split decision in a single court