Legal System Basics: Crash Course Government and Politics

The video explores the basics of the legal system, focusing on the functions of courts, the federal court system, and the types of law including statutory, common, criminal, civil, and public law. It highlights the importance of courts in settling disputes, interpreting laws, and setting expectations for future actions. The video also explains the structure of the federal court system and the concept of jurisdiction, differentiating between trial and appeals courts.

What is one of the primary functions of courts in the legal system?

• To settle disputes

• To create new laws

• To collect taxes

• To enforce laws

Which characteristic is NOT part of the US federal court system?

• Hierarchical structure

• Ability to perform judicial review

• Separation from other government branches

• Judges are elected for life

What is the role of trial courts in the legal system?

• To review laws

• To appoint judges

• To create laws

• To hear evidence and decide facts

What is the primary focus of appeals courts?

• Hearing new evidence

• Deciding questions of law

• Settling disputes

• Conducting jury trials

Which type of law involves disputes between individuals or entities?

• Statutory law

• Public law

• Civil law

• Criminal law

What can cause a civil or criminal case to become public law?

• High media coverage

• Involvement of a celebrity

• Violation of constitutional rights

• Large financial stakes

What is a common feature of both statutory and common law in the US?

• They are both written by legislatures

• They both apply only at the federal level

• They are both created by the executive branch

• They both rely on past court decisions