Court Types
What is the highest court in the U.S.?
Supreme Court
Court official responsible for courtroom security & maintaining court order
What is an opening statement during a trial?
Statement that introduces lawyer's argument and explains what they believe happened; occurs at the beginning of a trial
ADR stands for:
Alternative Dispute Resolution
What are Mock Trials?
-Student-led sessions that simulate real courtroom proceedings and allow them to practice courtroom roles/procedures.
Where do most court cases begin?
Trial Courts
What is a Juror? Where do they sit during a court trial?
-Citizen summoned to hear a court case & reach a verdict
-They witness the trial from the Juror Box?
What is a verdict?
What are ADRs?
-Methods used to resolve disputes outside of court
-Often faster and less expensive than litigation
What is a summons?
List the three major court types from lowest to highest
Trial Courts, Court of Appeals, Supreme Court
What is a defendant?
individual/entity being sued or accused in a court of law
Criminal Cases involve crimes against _________.
The State
Which ADR methods (Mediation/Arbitration) involve a third party?
Both methods
Why does the U.S. have different types of courts?
-To reduce mistakes by allowing decisions to be reviewed
-To support fairness, accuracy, and consistency in the law
Civil & Criminal
What is a Defense Attorney? Who do they represent?
-Lawyer representing the defendant
-Protects defendant's rights
Civil Cases involve disputes between:
Individuals/organizations
Explain the process of Mediation?
-What is the goal of this method?
-Who makes the decision?
-Is this method binding?
-Goal is to reach a mutually agreed-upon solution
-Mediator does NOT make the decision
-Agreements are not binding unless both sides accept
What is the role/purpose of witness testimony?
-Provides information and evidence about the case
-Helps establish facts
Supreme Court Cases typically involve:
-Constitutional Questions
-Conflicting Rulings from lower courts
What is a prosecutor? Who do they represent?
-Represents the state/government
True or False:
Court of Appeals often allow new evidence & witnesses during review
Explain Arbitration:
-What is the goal?
-Who makes the decision?
-Is this binding?
-The goal is to resolve a dispute with a neutral third party
-After hearing both cases, the arbitrator makes the final decision
-This decision is often binding
What is the purpose of a Court of Appeals
To review trial records of lower courts to find legal or procedural errors