The distinction between courts of original jurisdiction and courts of appellate jurisdiction
A)rests on the number of jurors, six at an appellate court and 12 at a trial court
B)depends on whether the case is being heard for the first time
C)depends on whether it involves a state or federal question
D)normally is not important because all major decisions in cases are made by appellate judges

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Courts of original jurisdiction are trial courts that hear a case for the first time, while courts of appellate jurisdiction review decisions made by lower courts. The distinction depends on whether the case is being heard for the first time or being reviewed on appeal. Therefore, choice B is correct. The number of jurors and whether the case involves a state or federal question have no bearing on the distinction between original and appellate jurisdiction, so choices A and C are incorrect. Finally, choice D is incorrect because while appellate judges do make important decisions in cases, trial judges also play a crucial role in the initial determination of the facts and application of the law. Courts of original jurisdiction hear cases for the first time, while courts of appellate jurisdiction review cases that have already been heard in lower courts. The distinction is based on whether the case is being heard for the first time or being reviewed on appeal, not on the number of jurors, the type of question involved, or the significance of the decisions made.

The Distinction Between Courts of Original Jurisdiction and Courts of Appellate