The US court system is a complex network of federal and state courts, each with distinct roles. Federal courts handle national issues, while state courts deal with most criminal and civil cases. This structure ensures a balanced approach to justice, from local disputes to constitutional matters.

Trial courts determine facts and apply laws, while appellate courts review for legal errors. Judicial independence is crucial, allowing judges to make unbiased decisions based solely on law and facts, upholding the rule of law and protecting individual rights.

Court Structure

Structure of US court systems

• Federal court system
  • Supreme Court
    • Highest court in the nation serves as the final arbiter of constitutional issues
    • Hears appeals from lower federal courts (U.S. Courts of Appeals) and state courts on federal questions
  • U.S. Courts of Appeals
    • Intermediate appellate courts review decisions made by U.S. District Courts
    • Organized into 12 regional circuits (1st through 11th Circuits and the D.C. Circuit) and one Federal Circuit that hears specialized cases
  • U.S. District Courts
    • Trial courts of the federal system hear both civil and criminal cases
    • At least one district court is located in each state (larger states have multiple districts)
• State court systems
  • State Supreme Courts
    • Highest court in each state holds final authority on matters of state law and state constitutional issues
    • May hear appeals from lower state courts (intermediate appellate courts or trial courts)
  • State Courts of Appeals
    • Intermediate appellate courts in many states (but not all) review decisions made by state trial courts
    • May be divided into districts or regions within the state (California, Texas)
  • State Trial Courts
    • Handle most criminal cases (felonies, misdemeanors) and civil cases (contract disputes, personal injury claims)
    • May be divided into specialized courts such as family court (handles divorce, child custody), probate court (handles wills, estates), or juvenile court

Trial vs appellate courts

• Trial courts
  • Original jurisdiction allows them to hear cases for the first time
  • Determine facts through evidence presented and apply relevant laws to reach a verdict
  • Responsibilities include conducting trials, receiving evidence (witness testimony, documents), issuing verdicts (guilty or not guilty in criminal cases, liability in civil cases), and imposing sentences in criminal cases
• Appellate courts
  • Appellate jurisdiction allows them to review decisions made by lower courts for legal errors
  • Do not retry cases or hear new evidence; instead, they review trial court proceedings and legal arguments
  • Responsibilities include interpreting the law, determining if legal errors were made that affected the outcome, and publishing opinions that set legal precedents for lower courts to follow (stare decisis)

Importance of judicial independence

• Judicial independence
  • Ensures judges can make decisions free from external influences or pressures (political, social, financial)
  • Allows judges to rule based solely on the law and facts of the case without fear of retaliation for unpopular decisions
• Importance in maintaining the rule of law
  • Ensures the law is applied equally to all individuals regardless of status or position
  • Prevents abuse of power by other branches of government (executive, legislative) by serving as a check on their actions
  • Protects individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution from government overreach
  • Promotes public trust and confidence in the fairness and impartiality of the judicial system
  • Upholds the principles of separation of powers and checks and balances enshrined in the Constitution

Key Players

Key players in courtrooms

• Judges
  • Preside over court proceedings to ensure fairness and adherence to legal procedures and rules of evidence
  • Make rulings on legal issues that arise during trials and hearings (admissibility of evidence, objections by attorneys)
  • Instruct the jury on relevant laws before deliberations in jury trials
  • Impose sentences on convicted defendants in criminal cases based on statutory guidelines and case-specific factors
• Prosecutors
  • Represent the government (state or federal) in criminal cases and file charges against accused individuals
  • Present evidence and arguments at trial to prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt
  • Recommend sentences for convicted defendants based on the severity of the crime and other aggravating or mitigating factors
• Defense attorneys
  • Represent the accused in criminal cases and protect their constitutional rights (right to remain silent, right to a fair trial)
  • Challenge the prosecution's evidence and arguments through cross-examination of witnesses and presenting defense evidence
  • Present evidence and arguments in favor of the defendant's innocence or mitigating circumstances
  • Negotiate plea bargains with prosecutors to reduce charges or sentences in exchange for a guilty plea
• Juries
  • Serve as triers of fact in criminal cases and some civil cases (unless the defendant waives the right to a jury trial)
  • Sworn to impartiality and must base decisions solely on evidence presented during the trial
  • Evaluate credibility of witness testimony and strength of physical evidence to determine the defendant's guilt or innocence in criminal cases
  • Decide liability (whether the defendant is responsible) and damages (monetary compensation) in civil cases