Understanding the U.S. Court System

Where do the majority of legal cases in the U.S. start?

• Appellate courts

• Federal district courts

• State courts

• Supreme Court

What is the main reason most cases are settled outside of court?

• Judicial bias

• Efficiency and cost-effectiveness

• Lack of evidence

• To avoid publicity

How many district courts are there in the U.S.?

• 50

• 663

• 94

• 12

What is required for a case to be heard in a federal appellate court?

• The case must have international implications

• A federal question must be involved

• The case must involve a state law

• It must be a criminal case

Which of the following cases would have original jurisdiction in federal courts?

• A dispute between two states

• A minor traffic violation

• A local property dispute

• A case involving a state law

Which of the following is NOT a type of case the federal courts have original jurisdiction over?

• Cases involving treaties

• Cases where the U.S. government is a party

• Disputes between two individuals from the same state

• Cases involving the U.S. Constitution

Under what condition can the Supreme Court act as a trial court?

• In cases involving federal laws only

• In cases between the U.S. and a state

• All criminal cases

• When state courts are unavailable

What is a key factor in the Supreme Court deciding to hear a case?

• There is a circuit split

• It involves a state law

• The case involves a celebrity

• The case is internationally recognized

How many justices are on the Supreme Court?

• 15

• 9

• 12

• 6

What is the term used when the Supreme Court refuses to hear a case because it's no longer relevant?

• Mootness

• Controversy

• Standing

• Ripeness