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District Courts

District Courts. Where most of the cases are held About 90% of cases start in district courts 300,000 cases per year (criminal and civil) District courts have original jurisdiction ** Original jurisdiction = to hear cases for the first time **

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District Courts

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  1. District Courts • Where most of the cases are held • About 90% of cases start in district courts • 300,000 cases per year(criminal and civil) • District courts have original jurisdiction ** • Original jurisdiction = to hear cases for the first time ** • District court judges are appointed by President and have lifetime terms

  2. Other people in District Courts • Magistrate – person who issues court orders and has a pre-trial to determine whether a case should be taken to actual trial • US Attorney – The lawyer on behalf of the U.S. • In criminal cases, he/she will always be on the side of the prosecution • Marshal – arrests suspects and delivers people to district courts • Issue subpoenas - an order requiring you to go to trial

  3. US Appeals Court • Where cases go after district courts • Appellate jurisdiction –to hear cases that have already been decided in lower courts. Why? • Wrong procedure • Error on part of judge, jury, or lawyer • New evidence brought forth • Violation of the Constitution • Lifetime appointments for judges

  4. An important note: • Appeals courts ARE NOT deciding cases to determine whether the party is innocent or guilty • INSTEAD, they’re trying to determine whether an error or mistake was made • If so, the sentence can be revoked or changed • Or, it could go to the Supreme Court

  5. Appeals Cases • There is no jury in an appeals case. • Only the judges decide!

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