The Court System

This level court listens to testimony, considers evidence and decides the facts in disputed situations. Evidence is provided by witnesses called to testify in the case.

• Trial Courts

• Court of Appeals

• Supreme Court

• US District Court

In a trial there are two sides in each case known as this.

• Plaintiff

• Prosecutor

• Parties

• Defendant

In a civil action, this party that brings legal action is called this.

• Prosecutor

• Plaintiff

• Parties

• Defendant

In a criminal trial, the government starts the cases and serves as this.

• Parties

• Defendant

• Plaintiff

• Prosecutor

In both a civil and a criminal trial, the party responding to the plaintiff or a prosecutor is called this.

• Prosecutor

• Defendant

• Plaintiff

• Parties

Justices review the decisions of the trial court judges in this type of court.

• Supreme Court

• Municipal Court

• Appeals Court

• US District Court

This person presents arguments asking the court to change the decision of the trial court.

• Petitioner

• Respondent

• Plaintiff

• Prosecution

In an appeals court, this party presents arguments supporting the decision of the trial court.

• Defendant

• Prosecution

• Petitioner

• Respondent

A court decision that is considered as authority for deciding subsequent cases involving identical or similar facts, or similar legal issues.

• Precedent

• Error of Law

• Majority Opinion

• Dissenting Opinion

This opinion states the decision of the court.

• Dissenting Opinion

• Concurring Opinion

• Majority Opinion

• Appeals Court