Levels of court
Lowest level of court.
U.S. District courts.
Settles disputes between states or involving foreign ambassadors.
Federal court.
Case that ruled that racial segregation in public schools as unconstitutional, declaring that “separate is not equal.”
Brown v. Board of Education
A change made to the constitution.
Amendment.
Guardians of the law in the courtroom, ensuring legal processes are fair and justice is served.
Judges.
The highest level of court in the United States.
Supreme Court.
Handles cases of family law, divorce, child support, custody, adoption, domestic violence.
State Courts.
Supreme Court, case that established the requirement for police to inform criminal suspects of their constitutional rights before custodial interrogation.
Miranda v. Arizona
The act of seeking a higher court's review of a lower court's decision.
Appeal
A civil duty that is needed in a trial.
Jury or jury duty.
Courts that review cases from lower courts to check for errors.
Appellate court or court of appeals.
The first courts created.
Federal courts.
Supreme Court, case that upheld the constitutionality of Executive Order 9066, which authorized the forced relocation and internment of Japanese Americans during World War II.
Korematsu v. United States
A new legal principle or rule that serves as an authoritative guide for future, similar cases.
Precedent
Leader of the Supreme Court.
Chief justice.
Has original jurisdiction in cases affecting ambassadors, public ministers, and consuls.
Supreme Court.
The Judiciary Act of 1789 established these courts.
Federal courts.
The Court ruled that schools cannot censor student speech unless it would "materially and substantially interfere" with school operations.
Tinker v. Des Moines
A written law passed by a legislative body.
Statute
A government lawyer who brings criminal cases against individuals accused of crimes.
Prosecutor.
No new evidence or witnesses, judges review transcripts and hear legal arguments in this type of court.
Appellate court.
Has general jurisdiction.
Supreme Court, case that established that police with probable cause to search a vehicle can conduct a warrantless search of the entire vehicle.
United States v. Ross
The last chance to challenge a court's decision in a higher court.
Final Appeal.
Manages essential administrative and clerical tasks in a courthouse, ensuring smooth courtroom operations.
Court Clerk