General
What's the judicial branch's responsibility?
To interpret the law
What is TN's highest court?
The TN Supreme Court
Which court is a type of breakout court of the General Sessions Court and handles cases involving minors?
Juvenile Court
How many judicial districts are in TN?
What does jurisdiction mean?
"Speaking the law" or what kind of law a particular court has the authority to speak about.
How many justices are on the TN Supreme Court?
5 justices (called justices, not judges)
Which court handles violations of city ordinances? Generally, the judge can impose fines of up to $50 and jail stays of up to 30 days.
Municipal Court
Districts often include more than one county, so judges “ride the ____” to hear cases in more than one courthouse.
circuit
What's a likely way you might be involved in the judicial system?
Citizen jury - a vital part of the American court system and a hard-won right, particularly for women and minorities
What is discretionary review?
This means that the Supreme Court can select the cases it wants to hear on appeal. There's no automatic right to appeal. Remember that there's one major exception: capital punishment cases.
Which court has exclusive jurisdiction over wills and estates?
Probate Court
What's the civil burden of proof?
Preponderance of evidence (i.e., more likely than not)
What's the difference between civil v. criminal?
Civil is a dispute between two parties, often about money - for example, Smith v. Jones. Criminal means the government is prosecuting someone who has allegedly broken the law - for example, State v. Goddard.Trial courts are interested in fact-finding. For example, they hear evidence and call witnesses. Appellate courts are focused on alleged errors of law. No witnesses are called. Cases are decided on briefs and sometimes oral arguments by attorneys.
No more than 2 justices can come from one ___ ___ of the state.
grand division
Which court is a court of equity that modifies strict legal rules in granting relief?
Chancery Court
What's the criminal burden of proof?
Beyond a resonable doubt
What's the difference between trial v. appellate?
Trial courts are interested in fact-finding. For example, they hear evidence and call witnesses. Appellate courts are focused on alleged errors of law. No witnesses are called. Cases are decided on briefs and sometimes oral arguments by attorneys.
How are Supreme Court justices selected and retained?
Open seats are filled when the Governor’s Council for Judicial Appointments selects 3 nominees to send to the Governor, and then the Governor appoints 1 to fill the seat
No more than 2 may be from one grand division of the state.
What are the intermediate appellate courts, and how do they function?
The Court of Appeals (which hears civil cases) and the Court of Criminal Appeals (which hears criminal cases). Both have 12 judges each and meet in Knoxville, Nashville, and Jackson in 3-judge panels.
What's the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?
A felony is a serious crime that usually carries more than one year in prison and harsher long-term consequences. A misdemeanor is a less serious offense that typically results in less than one year in jail, fines, or probation.