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The Judicial System Interpreting the Law

The Judicial System Interpreting the Law. GA Studies. Two Types of Courts. Trial Court: people’s actions are measured against the law Two ways decision are made: Jury trial Judge decides Appellate Court: looks over judgments made by trial courts

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The Judicial System Interpreting the Law

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  1. The Judicial SystemInterpreting the Law GA Studies

  2. Two Types of Courts • Trial Court: people’s actions are measured against the law • Two ways decision are made: • Jury trial • Judge decides • Appellate Court: looks over judgments made by trial courts • If a person thinks a mistake was made in their trial, they can appeal to an appellate court • Appellate court decides if a mistake was made • No jury trials

  3. Jurisdiction • Geographical area over which a court has authority • Kinds of cases a court can judge

  4. Selection of Judges • Three ways: • Partisan Election: person runs for judge as member of political party • Election can be at local, county, or state level • Nonpartisan Election: candidates are not associated with party • Election can be at local, county, or state level • Appointed by higher level judge

  5. Types of Law seen in Trial Courts • Civil Law: Person or group of people complains that someone has done them wrong. • Plaintiff: person who files complaint • Defendant: person accused doing something wrong • If the plaintiff is successful in the case, the defendant will usually have to pay monetary damages

  6. Types of Law seen in Trial Courts 2. Criminal Law: the government (local, state, or national) claims a person has committed a crime • Prosecutor: government • Defendant: person accused of crime • If found government can successfully prosecute the case, person will be found guilty and punished • Punishment can be fine, jail, or both

  7. Classes of Courts • Appellate Courts: Judges chosen by people in state-level nonpartisan elections • Supreme Court (highest) • Court of Appeals (handles appeals from superior, state, and juvenile court cases)

  8. Classes of Courts • Trial Courts: (how judges are chosen listed with each) • Superior Courts (civil, misdemeanor, & felony cases) – Jury Trials- Nonpartisan election (circuit) • State Courts (misdemeanor, civil, & traffic violations) – Jury Trials- Nonpartisan election (county) • Probate Courts (handle wills, inheritances, marriage & farm licenses) – Jury Trials in small counties – Partisan elections (county) • Magistrate Courts (arrest & search warrants, small civil cases) – No Jury Trials- Nonpartisan elections • Juvenile Courts (juvenile cases) – No Jury Trials – Judges appointed by Superior Court Judges

  9. Settling Disputes Peacefully • Often cases can be settled out of court without a judge or attorney, but with the use of a mediator (third party with no interest in the problem) • A mediator helps both sides reach a compromise by using problem solving and communication skills to come to an agreement • It is important to realize that words can often solve a problem (without force or weapons)

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