The Courts I:

1. The Courts I: Structure of American Courts

2. Overview • Three types of jurisdiction in American courts: • Geographical Jurisdiction—geographical area from which a court draws its cases • Subject Matter Jurisdiction—types of cases a court can hear (e.g., juvenile; family; criminal) • Hierarchical Jurisdiction • Courts with original jurisdiction are those that first hear a case • Courts with appellate jurisdiction do not hear original evidence, but hear appeals based on improper procedure in trial courts • America’s dual court system • Federal Courts • State Courts • Actors central to the (trial) court • Judge • Prosecutor • Defense Counsel • Jury • Others

3. Federal Court System • Legislative Courts are created by congress for specific needs (e.g., U.S. Tax Court, U.S. Court of Military Appeals, etc.) • Constitutional Courts were created by Article III of the Constitution. Three levels: • U.S. Supreme Court—also known as “court of last resort” • U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals—12 federal circuits in the U.S. • U.S. District Courts—courts of original jurisdiction; total of 94 districts in the U.S.

4. State Courts • Appellate Courts • Appellate Court of Last Review—typically called a “supreme court” • “Intermediate Appellate Courts— • Review cases from trial courts • In Alabama, called “Court of Criminal Appeals • Courts of General Jurisdiction • Major trial courts located at county level • Called by various names; in Alabama, circuit courts • Have original jurisdiction over criminal and civil cases • Highest criminal trial courts in the state • Courts of Limited Jurisdiction • Sometimes called “lower courts;” in Alabama, called district courts • Less serious cases—misdemeanors, juvenile cases, traffic violations, etc. Lee County Courthouse

5. Courtroom Actors • Judge • Prosecutor • Defense • Jury • Other Actors • Witnesses • Court Clerk • Bailiffs • Court Reporters