Understanding the Judicial System

What is the highest court in the United States?

• Court of Appeals

• Supreme Court

• District Court

• Circuit Court

Which type of court typically handles cases involving family law, such as divorce and child custody?

• Criminal Court

• Family Court

• Traffic Court

• Small Claims Court

Explain the role of a judge in a courtroom.

• To represent the defendant

• To ensure the trial is fair and legal procedures are followed

• To prosecute the accused

• To serve as a witness

What is the primary function of appellate courts?

• To conduct trials

• To review decisions made by lower courts

• To enforce laws

• To create laws

Which of the following is a legal right guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution?

• Right to a free education

• Right to a fair trial

• Right to own a business

• Right to travel abroad

Describe the difference between a civil case and a criminal case.

• Civil cases involve crimes, while criminal cases involve personal disputes.

• Civil cases involve personal disputes, while criminal cases involve crimes.

• Civil cases are always heard in federal courts, while criminal cases are heard in state courts.

• Civil cases are decided by a jury, while criminal cases are decided by a judge.

What is the role of a jury in a trial?

• To provide legal advice to the judge

• To determine the guilt or innocence of the defendant

• To enforce the court's decision

• To represent the interests of the public

Identify the term used for the written explanation of a court's decision.

• Verdict

• Opinion

• Indictment

• Plea

How does the structure of the federal court system differ from that of state court systems?

• Federal courts handle only civil cases, while state courts handle only criminal cases.

• Federal courts have a three-tiered system, while state courts have a two-tiered system.

• Federal courts have a two-tiered system, while state courts have a three-tiered system.

• Federal courts handle cases involving federal law, while state courts handle cases involving state law.

What is the term for the legal principle that ensures a person cannot be tried twice for the same crime?

• Double jeopardy

• Habeas corpus

• Ex post facto

• Due process