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They function similarly, except civil trials include a plaintiff, the party
accusing someone of causing damage.
Why are juries an important
component of our legal system?
They go to an intermediate state appeals court (if the case was tried in
a state court) or to a federal Circuit Court of Appeals (if the case was
tried in federal district court).
Why do courts follow precedents?
Doing so makes the law predictable and leads to stability in our society
because people will know what the law means and that it will not
change every time a court decides a new case.
Which courts hear which cases?
Criminal trial courts can hear cases about crimes, such as burglary,
murder, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Civil courts hear cases where one person or group thinks another
person or group should pay for causing harm.
How do state and local courts
operate?
They apply state and local laws and decide most criminal, family,
contract, and juvenile law cases.
How is the federal court system
structured?
The Supreme Court is the highest court in the land and as such sits at
the top of the judicial branch in our democracy. The Court’s primary
function is to resolve disputes that arise over the meaning of federal
law and the U. S. Constitution. The Court tries to make sure that
federal law is uniform and means the same thing everywhere in the
country.
How does the court decide which
cases to hear?
They consider cases that will have the most national impact. They are
concerned with uniformity in decisions about the meaning of the
Constitution and interpreting federal laws.
How are cases argued and decided
by the Supreme Court?
Briefs are submitted by both sides. At oral argument each side presents
its case. The justices meet to discuss the case. They take a preliminary
vote. If they all agree, they issue a unanimous ruling. If they disagree,
they issue a majority opinion and a dissenting opinion. Justices who
agree with the outcome, but for different reasons, may issue a
concurring opinion. The majority or unanimous opinion is the ruling of
the Court.
What influences the Supreme Court
justices’ opinions on cases?
The president has the power to appoint justices, while the Senate has
the power to approve or reject those appointments.
Congress has the power to impeach and remove justices. Congress
even decides how many justices will be on the Supreme Court and sets
their salaries. If the American people do not like a Supreme Court
ruling, they can (through their elected representatives) change the law
or the part of the Constitution that the Supreme Court interpreted.