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Overview of the United States Lower Court System and its Role in Legal Decisions

The Federal Court System is divided into two main parts: the Lower Courts and the Supreme Court. Lower Courts include local county-level courts, such as the Summit County Common Pleas Court, and district courts like the Akron Federal District Court. Appeals are handled by Courts of Appeals covering judicial districts, such as the 6th District. The role of Lower Courts involves resolving disputes between individuals, setting legal precedents, and interpreting laws. Judges play a critical role, adhering to either strict or loose constructionist interpretations of the law.

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Overview of the United States Lower Court System and its Role in Legal Decisions

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  1. Chapter 11.1 The Lower Courts • The Federal Court System consists of 2 parts • The Lower Courts • The Supreme Court

  2. Structure of the Lower Courts • Local level • Usually a county level for larger cities • Summit County Common Pleas Court • District Court • Trial courts used for appeals from local level • Akron Federal District Court • Courts of Appeals • Cover a large judicial district called a circuit • Circuit = area that includes multiple district courts • We are in the 6th district Courts of Appeals • No trial, just briefs given to panel of judges. • Briefs = written legal arguments given by both plaintiff and defendant. • Supreme Court of United States • Highest level of court in America

  3. Summit County Court of Common Pleas, Akron, Ohio

  4. Akron Federal District Court, Akron, Ohio

  5. Courts of Appeals, 6th District

  6. Supreme Court, Washington, D.C.

  7. The Role of the Lower Courts • Resolving Disputes • Setting Precedents • Interpreting Laws

  8. Resolving Disputes • Judges at lower courts hear cases dealing with disputes between private individuals • Important!! • ONLY PEOPLE WHO HAVE SUFFERED AN INJURY CAN BRING SUIT IN A COURT OF LAW. • Physical • Mental • Chattel

  9. Setting Precedents • Although judges rule only on specific cases, their decisions can have far reaching consequences • Judges ruling = precedent • Guiding principle for determining what is legal in future situations that involve a similar issue. • Example: • Roe vs. Wade • Brown vs. Board of Education

  10. Interpreting the Law • Judges must interpret what the law means. • 2 types of judges • Strict constructionist • Laws and the U.S. Constitution should be interpreted strictly according to exactly what they say. • Amendment 2 –”the right to bear arms” • Loose Constructionist • Believe that laws and U.S. Constitution should be interpreted in accordance with today’s conditions. • Amendment 2 – Do we need guns today?

  11. Do your homework… • Look at board.

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