From the Courtroom to the Classroom:A Quick Review of the Judicial System

© 2004 Constitutional Rights Foundation, Los Angeles

All rights reserved.

In writing the U.S. Constitution, the founders created an independent judicial branch. One way they insured

judicial independence was by giving federal judges life terms in office.

Alexander Hamilton noted in Federalist No. 78 that “nothing

can contribute so much to [judicial] firmness and

independence as permanency in office . . . .”

He called life terms an “indispensable ingredient” to

the judiciary and said they helped protect “public justice

and the public security.”

In the federal court system, the president appoints the judges. The Senate must vote to confirm the appointments. Once appointed, the judges serve life terms.The federal court system includes:

U.S. Supreme Court

U.S. Court of Appeals

District CourtThese are the trial courts. There are 94 District Courts—at least one in each state. After a trial, a case may be appealed to . . .

There are 13 Circuit Courts of Appeals. The Ninth Circuit hears appeals from District Courts in California. After the court decides, the case may be appealed to . . .

Nine justices sit on this court. It is the highest court in the land. The decisions of

this court are final.

Appeal

Appeal

The federal courts handle all federal cases, such as . . .

Admiralty cases

Bankruptcy cases

Federal tax cases

Copyright or patent cases

Cases where one state sues another state

As well as federal criminal cases, such as...

Most cases, however, are handled in state courts.

Crimes on federal property

Crimes on aircraft Crimes on the high seas

Federal drug cases Postal fraud

Racketeering

Each state has its own court system. Like the federal system, California’s court system has three tiers:

California Supreme Court

Court of Appeal

Superior CourtsThese are trial courts. Each California

county has a Superior Court. When a trial ends, the case may be appealed to . . .

These courts hear appeals from Superior Courts. Panels of three justices decide the cases. After the decision, the case may be

appealed to . . .

This is the highest California court. Seven justices sit on the court. It chooses which cases to hear. After the court decides, the

case can only be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court if there is a federal issue.

Like other state courts, California courts handle cases such as . . .

Family law—divorce, child custody, child support

Torts—lawsuits about harm caused intentionally or by negligence

Contract disputes

Landlord-tenant cases

Probate cases

California courts also handle criminal cases. Defendants may be charged with violating the California Penal Code for crimes such as:

Murder Rape Car TheftBurglary RobberyAssault TheftDrug Offenses

Civil Law

Cases

Criminal

Cases

An appeals court differs from a trial court.

It does not hold a trial. No evidence is introduced.

A panel of justices hears the appeal.

Lawyers on each side present arguments orally and in written briefs. They use prior court cases and existing laws to argue their cases.

After the oral arguments, the justices leave the courtroom to analyze and discuss the case.

After deliberating, they come to a decision.

The appeal must claim that there was an error of law. For example, the claim could be that . . .

After the trial, the defendant may appeal the case.

The judge made a mistake instructing the jury.The judge allowed evidence that should not have been let in.A law is unconstitutional.

Most cases begin in Superior Courts—the trial courts.

In a trial court . . .

One judge presides.

Lawyers present evidence.

A jury hears the evidence and gives a verdict.

One justice writes the opinion of the court.

It tells the facts of the case, the decision, and the reasons for the decision.

If a justice disagrees with the decision, he or she may write a dissenting opinion.

The written opinions of the court become law for the lower courts to follow.

Your class will soon participate in an activity lead by a judge and two attorneys. After providing you

with some background, they will set up a moot court activity with you. Some of you will take the roles of U.S. Supreme Court Justices and others as

attorneys to conduct a hearing.

Meanwhile…something to think about: What’s the difference between a

Mock Trial and a Moot Court?

Answer:

A Mock Trial simulates the proceedings in a lower court. The outcome is usually a verdict reached by a judge or jury.

A Moot Court simulates the proceeding in an appellate court. The outcome is a decision made by justices.

From the Courtroom to the Classroom

is a program of

Constitutional Rights Foundation

Developed by Marshall Croddy

Written by Bill Hayes & Keri Doggett

Graphics Keri Doggett