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Copy of Worksheet #13 (Federal Courts).Docx

Uploaded by

Peter Karaki
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Name: Peter Karaki

AP US GOVERNMENT & POLITICS


H.W. Worksheet #13 (Federal Courts)

I. The Structure of the Federal Judicial System

1. Define original jurisdiction:


a. The authority of a court to hear a case for the first time, as opposed to reviewing a lower
court's decision.

b. What percentage of cases begin and end in the court of original jurisdiction?
c. Around 90%

2. Define appellate jurisdiction:


a. The authority of a court to review and potentially modify decisions made by lower
courts

b. At the state level, where does the appellate process normally end?
c. In the state supreme court.

3. Define District Courts:


a. The trial-level courts in the federal judicial system where cases are initially heard and
decided

b. What type of jurisdiction do district courts have? What does this mean?
c. District courts have original jurisdiction, meaning they hear cases for the first time,
including both civil and criminal cases under federal law.

d. What percentage of criminal cases are heard in state and local court systems?
e. About 97%.

f. How do US attorneys get their jobs?


g. They are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.

4. Define courts of appeal:


a. Intermediate federal courts that review the decisions of district courts and administrative
agencies.

b. The US is divided into how many judicial circuits?


c. 12 regional circuits, plus a Federal Circuit.

d. What type of jurisdiction do courts of appeal have? What does this mean?
e. Courts of appeal have appellate jurisdiction, meaning they review decisions made by
lower courts rather than hearing cases for the first time.

5. Define the Supreme Court:


a. The highest court in the United States, serving as the final authority on constitutional
and federal law issues

b. What types of jurisdiction does the Supreme Court have?

1
c. Both original jurisdiction (limited cases such as disputes between states) and appellate
jurisdiction (reviewing cases from lower courts)

d. How many justices are on the Supreme Court?


e. Nine

f. How is the Supreme Court different from other federal courts?


g. It is the highest court in the nation, and its decisions are final and binding on all other
courts

h. Where do the majority of Supreme Court cases come from?


i. From the federal courts of appeal or state supreme courts

i. What sorts of cases will the Supreme Court accept to hear?


- Cases that involve significant constitutional questions, conflicts among lower courts, or issues of
national importance

j. According to Table 15.3 on page 456, where did the majority of Supreme Court cases come
from?
k. From the U.S. courts of appeals.

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