Court system 1
What is the highest court in England and Wales?
The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom
Which court deals with the most serious criminal cases in England and Wales?
The Crown Court
What types of cases are heard in Magistrates’ Courts?
Minor criminal cases and preliminary hearings for serious cases
How many magistrates usually sit in a Magistrates’ Court case?
Three (sometimes one)
Which court hears appeals from the Magistrates’ Courts?
The Crown Court
What are the three divisions of the High Court of Justice?
King’s Bench Division, Family Division, and Chancery Division
Which court sets binding precedents for all lower courts?
The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom
Can the Supreme Court of the UK overturn its own previous decisions?
Yes, in exceptional circumstances
Are juries used in all criminal cases in England and Wales?
No, only in serious cases, mainly in the Crown Court
What is the highest court in the United States?
The Supreme Court of the United States
How many justices sit on the U.S. Supreme Court?
Nine
What types of cases are heard in federal courts rather than state courts?
Cases involving federal law, the Constitution, or disputes between states
What court hears appeals from U.S. District Courts?
U.S. Courts of Appeals
How many U.S. Courts of Appeals (Circuits) are there?
Thirteen
Are U.S. Supreme Court justices elected or appointed?
Appointed
How long do federal judges serve once appointed?
For life (during good behavior)
What is the highest court in Germany for constitutional matters?
The Federal Constitutional Court (Bundesverfassungsgericht)
What is the difference between federal and state court systems?
Federal courts handle national matters; state courts handle state law cases
What is the role of a jury in U.S. criminal trials?
To determine guilt or innocence
What is the difference between a barrister and a solicitor in court proceedings?
Barristers advocate in court; solicitors prepare cases and advise clients
How does Germany’s court system differ from common law systems?
It is based on codified law rather than precedent
What are the five main branches of courts in Germany?
Ordinary, administrative, labour, social, and finance courts
What is the highest court for civil and criminal matters in Germany?
The Federal Court of Justice (Bundesgerichtshof)
Which court in England and Wales handles small civil claims such as minor contract disputes?
The County Court
Which U.S. court has original jurisdiction in cases involving ambassadors or disputes between states?
The U.S. Supreme Court