Court Systems
What are the two main types of court systems in the United States?
State and federal courts
What is a court’s legal authority to hear and decide a case called?
Jurisdiction
What is the party who starts a lawsuit called?
Plaintiff
Who has the burden of proving the case in a civil lawsuit?
The plaintiff
What process allows parties to obtain information and evidence from each other before trial?
Discovery
What type of court hears a case for the first time?
Trial court
What type of jurisdiction concerns the kind of case a court can hear?
Subject matter jurisdiction
What is the party being sued called?
Defendant
What is the usual burden of proof in a civil case?
Preponderance of the evidence
What is an out-of-court process where a neutral person helps the parties reach an agreement?
Mediation
What type of court reviews decisions made by trial courts?
Appellate court
What type of jurisdiction concerns the court’s authority over a defendant?
Personal jurisdiction
What document does a plaintiff file to begin a lawsuit?
Complaint
What is the process of selecting and questioning potential jurors called?
Voir dire
What is an out-of-court process where a neutral person makes a decision about the dispute?
Arbitration
What are the trial courts in the federal system called?
Federal district courts
What is it called when both state and federal courts can hear a case?
Concurrent jurisdiction
What court document tells the defendant to respond to the complaint?
Summons
What does an appellate court do when it agrees with the lower court’s decision?
Affirm
What motion asks the court to decide a case when there is no genuine issue requiring a trial?
Motion for summary judgment
What is the highest court in the federal system?
The U.S. Supreme Court
In a diversity case, the parties must generally be from different states and the amount in controversy must be at least how much?
$75,000
What is the proper geographic location for a court case called?
Venue
Do appellate courts normally hear new witnesses and new evidence?
No
What principle means the same dispute between the same parties cannot be litigated again after a final judgment?
Res judicata