SLG - The Role of State Courts Lesson

 

The Role of State Courts Lesson

These courts are governed based on the several forms of law. Choose each tab in the activity below to learn more.

 

photograph of the Scales of Justice

 

Divide Courts Into Two Types

  • Civil law
    • Disputes or disagreements that occur between private parties and the government
    • Punishable by fines or by awarding custody (divorce cases)
  • Criminal law
    • Felony- A more severe crime punishable by heavy fines, jail time, or even death
    • Misdemeanor - A lesser offense, punishable by a small fines, community service, or a short jail term

 

Judges Set Precedents With Their Rulings

 

Photograph of a Jury Box

 

Jury System

  • Grand Jury
    • Used to determine whether the evidence against a person charged with a crime is sufficient to justify a trial; investigates and formally accuses/indicts the perpetrator of a crime 
    • Used only in criminal proceedings
  • Petit/Trial Juries
    • Trial jury - hears evidence and decides questions of fact
    • Used in both criminal and civil cases
  • Criminal Information
    • A formal charge filed by the prosecutor in minor criminal cases
    • Does not require the indictment of a grand jury
  • Bench Trial
    • Can be used to allow cases to be heard and decided by a judge only without a jury; can be used in criminal and civil cases but are more common in civil cases dealing with family law, juvenile law, and probate 

 

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