Understanding the U.S. Court System

Jessica Lafour, a clinical professor, explains the sources of law, including the Constitution, statutes, regulations, and common law. She discusses how each branch of government contributes to law-making and the role of the judiciary in interpreting laws. The video also covers the structure of the federal and state court systems, highlighting differences in jurisdiction and court hierarchy.

Which of the following is NOT a primary source of law?

• Constitution

• Statutes

• Regulations

• Executive Orders

What is the role of government agencies in the context of regulations?

• To enforce laws without legislative approval

• To fill in details left by statutes

• To interpret laws like the judiciary

• To create laws independently

How does common law differ from statutory law?

• Common law is written in code books

• Common law is derived from judicial decisions

• Common law is created by the executive branch

• Common law is the same across all states

Which type of court has the broadest jurisdiction?

• Supreme Court

• Federal courts

• State courts

• Circuit courts

In which scenario can a case be heard in federal court?

• When it involves a state law issue

• When it involves a federal question

• When both parties are from the same state

• When it involves a minor civil dispute

What is the primary function of district courts in the federal system?

• To serve as trial courts

• To interpret the Constitution

• To create regulations

• To hear appeals

What is the role of the Supreme Court in the federal court system?

• To enforce regulations

• To create statutory laws

• To choose which cases to hear through certiorari

• To hear all appeals from state courts

Which state has two Supreme Courts, one for civil cases and one for criminal appeals?

• Florida

• New York

• Texas

• California

What is a unique feature of New York's court system?

• It has a single court of appeals

• It follows the federal court structure exactly

• The trial court is called the Supreme Court

• It has no intermediate appellate courts

What is the term for the Supreme Court's ability to choose which cases it will hear?

• Judicial review

• Writ of certiorari

• Original jurisdiction

• Appellate jurisdiction