Rule of Law
Why are Laws necessary?
Maintain order, resolve conflicts, and protect people's rights
What is the highest court in the United States?
U.S. Supreme Court
Who handles most (90%) of all legal disputes? State or Federal Courts
State Courts
What are the 3 levels of lawmaking?
Federal/ National
State
Local
What court holds the final say in ALL law?
US Supreme Court
In his pamphlet, "Common Sense," Thomas Paine says, "In America, THE LAW IS KING." What does this mean?
No one is above the Law
List the 3 levels of the Federal Court System:
US District Courts; US Court of Appeals; US Supreme Court
List the 3 levels of the State Court System:
State Trial Courts; Intermediate Appellate Courts; State Supreme Courts
Define Federalism:
a system that divides government power between a central government and smaller subdivisions (State and local governments)
Which courts hold original jurisdiction?
Trial Courts (State Trial Courts and US District Courts)
It's the government's job to protect peoples' what?
Rights and Freedoms
How many total US Court of Appeals:
13
True or false: State Supreme Courts can violate the US Supreme Court
False
Where are state laws created?
State Legislatures
A woman is arrested by the DEA for transporting large quantities of heroin across several states. She is charged under drug trafficking laws.
Which court will hear this case?
US District Court
According to the Rule of Law, everyone is accountable to the laws except who?
No one
How many total US District Courts are in the United States?
94
What power do State Supreme Courts mainly hold:
Appellate Jurisdiction
Explain the structure of the US Congress: (What are the 2 houses and how many members of each house)
Senate: 100 Members
House of Representatives: 435 members
A man is sentenced to death in Florida state court. After the intermediate appellate court affirms the conviction, he files an appeal to the highest state court.
Which court will hear the appeal? (Be state specific)
Florida Supreme Court
Define Rule of Law: (3 parts)
Definition must include: Everyone is accountable to the law. Laws must be fair and equally applied. Law must be clear and publicized
List 3 types of cases that are heard in Federal Court:
Acceptable Answers: Cases that cross state lines; Constitutional Issues; Federal Crimes; Disputes between states; Cases w/ US Gov. as a party; treaty issues; Diversity jurisdiction (citizens of different states suing for > $75,0000)
List 3 types of cases heard by State Courts:
Acceptable Answers: Crimes breaking State Laws; Family Law; Traffic Violations; Contracts and property disputes; personal injuries; Most civil lawsuits
Explain how a federal law is made:
Need > 50% of vote in each house to pass a law
President signs or vetoes the law
What is the primary goal of appellate courts?
Primary goal is to ensure that lower courts apply the law fairly