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The Courts

The Courts. The organization and jurisdiction of federal and state courts. The Courts. The judicial function is exercised in a dual court system, which consists of state courts and federal courts. It is up to the courts to interpret the law and how it should be followed. The Courts.

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The Courts

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  1. The Courts The organization and jurisdiction of federal and state courts

  2. The Courts • The judicial function is exercised in a dual court system, which consists of state courts and federal courts. • It is up to the courts to interpret the law and how it should be followed.

  3. The Courts • How are state courts organized, and what jurisdiction does each exercise? • Virginia, like each of the other forty-nine states, has its own court system whose organization and jurisdiction are derived from Virginia’s constitution and state laws.

  4. Virginia Court System • Virginia Supreme Court • (Justices/no jury) • Court of final appeal (Appellate jurisdiction) • Limited original jurisdiction • Court of Appeals of Virginia • (Judges/no jury) • Appellate jurisdiction from circuit courts • Circuit Court • (Judge and jury) • Original jurisdiction for felony criminal cases and for certain civil cases • Appellate jurisdiction from district courts • General District Court • (Judge) • Original jurisdiction of misdemeanors • Civil cases generally involving lower dollar amounts • Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court • (Judge/no jury) • Juvenile and family cases

  5. The Courts • www.sccja.org • Magistrates issue search warrants, subpoenas, arrest warrants, and summons and set bail.

  6. United States Court System • The United States has a separate court system whose organization and jurisdiction are derived from the Constitution of the United States of America and federal laws. • U.S. Supreme Court • (Justices/no jury) • Jurisdiction: Appellate and Limited Original • U.S. Court of Appeals • (Justices/no jury) • Jurisdiction: Appellate • U.S. District Court • (Judge with jury) • Jurisdiction: Original

  7. The Courts • What is judicial review? • www.reviewjournal.com

  8. The Courts • The supreme courts of the United States and Virginia determine the constitutionality or legality of laws and acts of the executive branch of government. This power is called judicial review. • Marbury v. Madison established the principle of judicial review at the national level. • It was a case decided in 1803 by Chief Justice John Marshall.

  9. The Courts • The Constitution of the United States of America is the supreme law of the land. • State laws must conform to the Virginia and United States constitutions. • All acts of government must conform to the U.S. Constitution and the Virginia State Constitution. • www.archives.gov

  10. The Courts • Courts resolve two kinds of legal conflicts—civil and criminal. • www.tribalresourcecenter.org

  11. The Courts • How and why does a criminal case come to court? • Criminal law • In a criminal case, a court determines whether a person accused of breaking the law is guilty or not guilty of a misdemeanor or a felony.

  12. The Courts • How and why does a civil case come to court? • Civil law • In a civil case, a court settles a disagreement between two parties.

  13. The Courts • Criminal procedure in felony cases • A person accused of a crime may be arrested if the police have probable cause. • The accused may be committed to jail or released on bail. • The case proceeds to an arraignment where probable cause is reviewed, the defendant may be appointed an attorney, and a plea is entered. • A court date is set and a trial is conducted. • A guilty verdict may be appealed to the Court of Appeals or directly to the Supreme Court in certain cases.

  14. The Courts • Procedure for civil cases • The plaintiff files a complaint to recover damages or receive compensation. • Case can be heard by judge or jury. • Case can be appealed to the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court.

  15. The Courts • Procedure for cases involving juveniles • Judges have greater latitude in handling juvenile cases. • Juveniles who commit serious crimes can be tried as adults.

  16. The Courts • The right to due process of the law is outlined in the 5th and 14thAmendments to the Constitution of the United States of America. • No person …nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law • …nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

  17. The Courts • Due process of law: The constitutional protection against unfair governmental actions and laws • Due process protections • 5thAmendment—Prohibits the national government from acting in an unfair manner • 14thAmendment—Prohibits state and local governments from acting in an unfair manner

  18. The Courts • The Supreme Court has extended the due process clauses to protect the guarantees of the Bill of Rights.

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