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7: Courts

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    44928

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    Learning Objectives

    After reading this section, students will be able to:

    • Differentiate between what happens at trial and what happens on appeal and identify the procedural history of a criminal case by reading appellate opinions written in the case.
    • Describe how a crime/criminal case proceeds from the lowest level trial court up through the U.S. Supreme Court. (i.e., students should understand the hierarchy of the federal and state courts).
    • Discuss the function and selection of state and federal trial and appellate judges in the American criminal justice system
    • Discuss the function and selection of state and federal prosecutors in the American criminal justice system.
    • Discuss the importance of the criminal defense attorney in the American criminal justice system.
    • Identify at what stages of the criminal justice process a defendant is entitled to the assistance of a court-appointed attorney.

    This section examines the structure and function of the criminal courts in America. It examines the concept of jurisdiction and describes the dual court system (the federal court system and the various state court systems). This section also examines the role and function of the various courtroom participants–the people who work in the courts.

    Critical Thinking Questions

    1. Knowing what happens at trial and what happens on appeal, would you be more interested in being a trial judge or an appellate judge? Why?
    2. Why is there a different standard of review for questions of fact and questions of law?
    3. Do you agree that cases should be overturned only when there was a fundamental or prejudicial error that occurred during the trial?
    4. Do you think it is easier to be a defense attorney than a prosecutor believing the defendant is guilty but knowing that the justice system has violated the defendant’s rights?
    5. Should the defendant ever waive the assistance of counsel?
    6. Is there any position as a court staff that particularly interests you? Why?

    • 7.1: Introduction to the U.S. Court System
      This page covers the structure and function of courts in the American criminal justice system, focusing on jurisdiction and the definition of "court." It emphasizes the role of courts in ensuring due process for defendants, detailing the dual court system, and distinguishing between trial and appellate courts. The roles of courtroom participants are also outlined, providing a thorough overview of the criminal court process.
    • 7.2: Jurisdiction
      This page explains jurisdiction as the legal authority of courts to adjudicate cases, differentiating between trial courts that establish facts and penalties, and appellate courts that review legal matters for errors. It categorizes jurisdiction based on subject matter, offense seriousness, party authority, and geographic scope within state and federal systems.
    • 7.3: Structure of the Courts - The Dual Court and Federal Court System
      This page explains the U.S. dual court system that includes federal and state courts, resulting in 51 legal systems. State courts manage state crimes, while federal courts handle federal matters, with the U.S. Supreme Court as the highest authority interpreting the Constitution and accepting only a small fraction of cases through writs of certiorari.
    • 7.4: Structure of the Courts- State Courts
      State court systems in the U.S. operate independently with unique structures in each state, handling over 90% of criminal prosecutions. They consist of trial courts (general and limited jurisdiction) and appellate courts, with defendants having the right to appeal.
    • 7.5: American Trial Courts and the Principle of Orality
      This page emphasizes the principle of orality in trials, which requires jurors to base their decisions exclusively on evidence presented during the trial without considering external sources. This principle contrasts with the inquisitorial system in civil law countries, where pre-trial witness statements influence the process, focusing on mitigating evidence rather than establishing guilt.
    • 7.6: The Appeals Process, Standard of Review, and Appellate Decisions
      This page outlines the appeals process in criminal cases, noting that the government cannot appeal acquittals. It describes how convicted defendants often challenge sentences or trial errors, with appellate courts reviewing records for prejudicial errors. The standards of review differ for factual findings, legal issues, and mixed issues.
    • 7.7: Federal Appellate Review of State Cases
      This page discusses the U.S. Supreme Court's discretionary review of state court cases via writs of certiorari, focusing on significant federal constitutional issues. It highlights the Michigan v. Long case, which establishes that the Court will review cases where state decisions primarily involve federal law. If state courts base their decisions on independent state grounds, the Supreme Court refrains from intervening, balancing state autonomy with federal law enforcement.
    • 7.8: Courtroom Players - Judges and Court Staff
      This page explores the courtroom workgroup concept, emphasizing the collaborative roles of legal professionals in criminal courts, while noting the trial judges' limited discretion and varied selection processes. It details the responsibilities of court personnel, such as clerks and administrators, in ensuring efficient court operations, especially in specialized courts and with electronic filing systems.
    • 7.9: Courtroom Players - Prosecutors
      This page discusses the critical role of prosecutors in the criminal justice system, highlighting their collaboration with officials, discretion in case prosecution, and varied authority across different jurisdictions. Good prosecutors balance enforcement with the pursuit of justice, guided by community values and ethical standards. They engage in public speaking, advocate for victims, and guide investigations while ensuring fairness and decency in their legal decisions.
    • 7.10: Courtroom Workgroup- Defense Attorneys
      This page reviews the Sixth Amendment's right to counsel, ensuring indigent defendants receive legal representation at critical stages, supported by key rulings like Powell v. Alabama and Gideon v. Wainwright. The Criminal Justice Act guarantees this access in federal courts. Defendants may waive counsel, with the court requiring this decision to be informed. Effective representation is vital, particularly during trials, while distinctions exist between rights in trials and appeals.

    This page titled 7: Courts is shared under a CC BY-SA license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Alison S. Burke, David Carter, Brian Fedorek, Tiffany Morey, Lore Rutz-Burri, & Shanell Sanchez (OpenOregon) .