Unraveling State Judicial Systems and Court Structures

The video tutorial explores the structure and functions of state judicial systems, highlighting their similarities to federal courts. It covers the roles of various court levels, including Supreme, Court of Appeals, district, superior, inferior, family, and juvenile courts. The tutorial also explains the selection process for judges, which varies by state, involving elections or appointments. The lesson emphasizes the importance of state courts, which handle the majority of cases in the U.S., and encourages viewers to explore their state's specific court system.

What is the focus of today's lesson?

• Local government systems

• Federal judicial systems

• State judicial systems

• International judicial systems

What is the highest court in most state judicial systems?

• District Court

• Court of Appeals

• Supreme Court

• Family Court

Which court typically handles procedural and constitutional questions?

• Juvenile Court

• Supreme Court

• Family Court

• Inferior Court

What is the primary function of district courts?

• To manage state budgets

• To handle appeals

• To determine facts and guilt or innocence

• To oversee federal cases

What type of cases do superior courts handle?

• Traffic violations

• Felonies and high-value civil cases

• Minor offenses

• Family disputes

Which court deals with misdemeanors and minor offenses?

• Superior Court

• Inferior Court

• Supreme Court

• Court of Appeals

What is a unique feature of juvenile courts?

• They are open to the public

• They always have a jury

• They are closed to the public and records are sealed

• They handle only civil cases

How are judges selected in some states?

• By public election only

• By appointment without confirmation

• By the President

• By the Supreme Court

What is a characteristic of partisan judicial elections?

• Judges are not affiliated with any party

• Judges are selected by the Supreme Court

• Judges are affiliated with a political party

• Judges are appointed by the President

What percentage of cases in America are heard by state courts?

• 97%

• 50%

• 75%

• 100%