Introduction to the Justice System
Who is a bailiff?
This is the highest court in the country (a.k.a. the “last stop”).
What is the Supreme Court of the United States?
Cry over spilled milk?: Riley owns a grocery store that is open to the public. Riley has a duty to keep the store reasonably safe for customers. Riley knows that milk has spilled on the floor in an aisle but does not clean it up or put out a warning sign. Casey slips on the milk, falls, and breaks an arm. Casey sues Riley for negligence.
What is civil?
This is a private harm, not a harm to society. Casey is looking to get damages for their broken arm from Riley because Riley negligently left spilled milk unattended on the floor where customers were walking.
At the heart of the case was Dred Scott, an enslaved Black man who sued to seek emancipation for himself and his wife and child. He argued that his family had gained their freedom by living in free states as well as in territories where slavery was banned under the Missouri Compromise of 1820. (Dred Scott v. Sandford) (1857)
What are the facts?
This is the subject area your teachers study.
What is law?
This is the person who oversees a trial and makes decisions throughout, to keep things going.
Who is the judge?
These are the two types of cases that go through the judiciary.
What are criminal and civil?
I told you so: A warehouse is clearly marked with large signs that say, "No Trespassing," and is closed to the public. Despite seeing the signs, Taylor enters the warehouse to explore and take photos. After the photos go viral online, the state later brings a case against Taylor under a statute that prohibits entering property after notice that entry is not allowed.
What is criminal?
This is criminal because the state brings the case to enforce a statute that prohibits the conduct. The goal is punishment or deterrence, not compensation to a private property owed, which is what a civil case would seek.
Does segregation of children in public schools solely on the basis of race, even though physical facilities may be equal, deprive children of minority groups of equal educational opportunities? (Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas) (1954)
What is the issue?
This is the hardest thing for Daryn to get used to when she moved to St. Louis.
What is snow and/or ice?
This is a group of people who decide the outcome of a case.
What is a jury?
This is what a party can do if they lose a case.
What is appeal?
Get out of my way: During a crowded concert, Pat becomes annoyed with Lee for stepping in front of them. In anger, Pat intentionally shoves Lee, causing Lee to fall and sprain an ankle. Lee sues Pat for battery.
What is civil?
Even though battery can also be a criminal offense, there are no criminal charges being brought here. When the two parties in the suit are the individuals from the fact pattern, it is a civil dispute; individuals cannot bring criminal suits on behalf of themselves.
Originating court: Filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. Judge Barbara Simon presiding.
District court ruling: Ruled for Defendant Acme on Summary Judgment motion.
Appeal Denied: Appealed to 4th Circuit Court of Appeals. Appeal denied.
Appealed Again: Smith appealed again to the Supreme Court. Certiorari granted.
Final ruling court: U.S. Supreme Court in 5-3 decision, Justice Roberts writing the majority opinion. Reversed District Court ruling. (Smith v. Acme Products)
What is the procedural history?
What shoes was George wearing when he tore his ACL?
What are Vans?
This actor files a lawsuit when they have been wronged by another person, hopign to get damages.
What is a plaintiff?
This is the word for an opinion where a judge disagrees with the majority ruling.
What is a dissent?
Ouch that's hot: A company sells electric kettles for home use. Due to a manufacturing defect, the kettle's internal wiring overheated and causes the handle to melt during normal use. While pouring boiling water, Jamie's hand is burned. Jamie sues the manufacturer for injuries caused by the defective product.
What is civil?
Although companies can face criminal liability in certain contexts, this is a strict liability civil tort claim. Jamie is suing for monetary damages from their injuries.
The Court held that prosecutors cannot use statements from custodial interrogation of a defendant unless they show procedural safeguards (Miranda rights) were used to protect the privilege against self-incrimination. (Miranda v. Arizona) (1996)
What is the holding?
This is the name of your third student-teacher.
Who is Ashrakat Hassan?
What is one requirement for evidence to be admissible in court? Hint: Fourth Amendment!
It must be legally obtained/the police officer needs to have had probable cause to search for it.
This is the lowest court at the federal level.
What is a federal district court?
Talking Smack: Taylor, angry at a former roommate, Sam, posts on a public social media page that Sam "was arrested for embezzling money from their employer." Taylor knows this is false. The post is widely shared, and Sam loses their job offer after their employer sees it.
What is Both?
Defamation brings criminal liability when false, maliciously published statements seriously harm a person's reputation, typically involving intentional falsehoods, breach of peace, or provocation. While primarily a civil tort, some jurisdictions punish severe, willful defamation with fines or imprisonment. In the US it is rarely enforced
The Supreme Court reasoned that possession of a gun in a local school zone is not an economic activity that substantially affects interstate commerce. The Court concluded that accepting Congress's argument would allow it to regulate any activity, effectively removing limitations on federal power. (United States v. Lopez) (1995)
What is the rationale?
What is Washington University in St. Louis School of Law?