Federal Courts System
The highest court in the nation.
The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS)
This is the highest court in the Commonwealth of Virginia
The Supreme Court of Virginia / State Supreme Court
Money provided as insurance that the accused will return for their scheduled court appearance.
Bail (Bond)
In a civil trial, this person is the one who brings the lawsuit.
Plaintiff
The legal standard of evidence required to make an arrest.
Probable Cause
The United States Circuit Court has this type of jurisdiction.
Appellate
The number of Justices who sit on the Virginia Court of Appeals.
11
If there is enough evidence to go to trial for a felony, the Grand Jury will issue this.
Indictment
This person may appeal the final ruling in a civil trial.
Either side (Plaintiff or Defendant)
This Amendment guarantees the right of Due Process at the state level.
14th Amendment
The number of Justices currently allowed on the Supreme Court.
9
This court has appellate jurisdiction over misdemeanor appeals in Virginia.
Circuit Court
This is one of the two steps that are absent in misdemeanor pre-trial procedures.
1) Preliminary Hearing
2) Grand Jury
The maximum jail/prison sentence possible as a result of a civil trial ruling.
0. (No loss of freedom/liberty is possible.)
This Amendment protects your right to an attorney, to a trial by jury, to a speedy and public trial, and to call witnesses for your defense.
6th Amendment
The main "trial court" for federal crimes within the United States.
This court has original jurisdiction over felony cases in Virginia.
Circuit Court
During this pre-trial step, the accused enters their plea.
Arraignment
This is a lawsuit that has no legal merit or justification.
Frivolous lawsuit
This Amendment requires that the government have a warrant / probable cause in order to arrest you or search your property.
4th Amendment
This man was President of the United States when the federal courts system was established.
George Washington
This court has original jurisdiction over cases involving family disputes.
Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court
The maximum fine possible for a Class 2 Felony in the Commonwealth of Virginia
$100,000
The legal standard of evidence required to win in a civil trial.
Preponderance of Evidence
This concept states that in addition to the legal process, the content of the law must also be fair.
Substantive Due Process