Federal Court System Concepts

The video explains the structure of the U.S. federal court system, starting with the federal district courts, which handle cases involving federal questions, the federal government, or diversity of citizenship. If parties are dissatisfied with district court decisions, they can appeal to the circuit courts, which have appellate jurisdiction. The video also covers the Supreme Court, detailing the challenging process of getting a case heard, including submitting a brief and the concept of certiorari. The Supreme Court's decision-making process and the principle of stare decisis are also discussed.

What is the primary role of the federal district courts?

• To determine the constitutionality of laws

• To review cases from state courts

• To handle cases involving federal questions and diversity of citizenship

• To hear appeals from the Supreme Court

How many circuit courts are there in the United States?

• 15

• 13

• 12

• 10

What type of jurisdiction do circuit courts have?

• Concurrent jurisdiction

• Appellate jurisdiction

• Original jurisdiction

• Exclusive jurisdiction

What is the role of the appellate courts in the federal system?

• To enforce court decisions

• To conduct jury trials

• To review the application of law in a case

• To determine the facts of a case

What is the composition of the Supreme Court?

• Four chief justices and five associate justices

• Three chief justices and six associate justices

• One chief justice and eight associate justices

• Two chief justices and seven associate justices

What must be submitted to get a case considered for the Supreme Court docket?

• A motion

• A complaint

• A brief

• A petition

What does the term 'stare decisis' mean?

• To review a decision

• To dismiss a decision

• To overturn a decision

• To let the decision stand

What is a writ of certiorari?

• A motion to transfer a case to another court

• A request to dismiss a case

• A review of a case by the Supreme Court

• A decision to uphold a lower court ruling

How many justices must agree to accept a case for it to be heard by the Supreme Court?

• Six

• Five

• Three

• Four

What is the significance of getting a case on the Supreme Court docket?

• It guarantees a favorable ruling

• It results in an automatic retrial

• It allows the case to be heard by a jury

• It may influence future legal interpretations