Question 1

What courts does the federal court system include?

Accepted Answer

The federal court system in the United States includes the U.S. district courts, which are the general trial courts; the U.S. courts of appeals, which review cases from the district courts; and the U.S. Supreme Court, which is the highest court in the country.

Question 2

What term describes cases pertaining to the sea?

Accepted Answer

Both Admiralty and Maritime law pertain to the sea, covering laws and regulations that govern ships, shipping, insurance claims, and civil offenses occurring on open water.

Question 3

What term describes decisions made by appellate courts?

Accepted Answer

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Question 4

What is the name of the systematic collection of laws by the federal government?

Accepted Answer

The United States Code is the systematic collection of laws by the federal government, organizing them by subject matter.

Question 5

What part of the government creates administrative codes?

Accepted Answer

Administrative agencies are responsible for creating administrative codes. These agencies have the authority to enact regulations that have the force of law, guiding the implementation of statutes passed by legislatures.

Question 6

How is the number of the U.S. Supreme Court justices determined?

Accepted Answer

The number of justices on the U.S. Supreme Court is determined by Congress. The Constitution does not specify the number, allowing Congress to adjust it over time through legislation.

Question 7

When does the U.S. Supreme Court take a case on appeal?

Accepted Answer

The U.S. Supreme Court takes a case on appeal when it involves federal law, issues of national significance, or when at least four out of the nine justices believe the case is important enough to be heard, known as the "rule of four."

Question 8

What is the significance of the abbreviation "cert. den." written on the court record?

Accepted Answer

"Cert. den." stands for "certiorari denied," meaning the U.S. Supreme Court has decided not to review the decision of a lower appellate court, thus the lower court's decision stands.

Question 9

What courts does a state court system include?

Accepted Answer

State court systems typically include trial courts, intermediate appellate courts, and supreme courts, encompassing all the levels through which cases can progress.

Question 10

After a state trial court's decision, what action can parties to that case take?

Accepted Answer

Parties can appeal the decision to a state appellate court if they believe there was an error in the trial court's decision.

Question 11

What are functions of state supreme courts?

Accepted Answer

State supreme courts have a broad range of responsibilities, including reviewing decisions of appellate courts, regulating the practice of law within the state, and overseeing the administration of the justice system in their jurisdiction.

Question 12

What does a three-judge panel of an appellate court determine for a particular case?

Accepted Answer

A three-judge panel of an appellate court typically determines whether a case can be escalated to the state's supreme court based on the legal merits and significance of the appeal.

Question 13

How is a state court of last resort called?

Accepted Answer

The state court of last resort is typically called the State Supreme Court, which is the highest court in a state judicial system.

Question 14

If a court without jurisdiction makes a decision in a particular case, what are grounds for appeal for the party that lost this case?

Accepted Answer

The decision is void because of lack of jurisdiction, meaning the court did not have the legal authority to hear the case or make a decision, rendering any decision it made invalid.

Question 15

What does original jurisdiction of a court mean?

Accepted Answer

Original jurisdiction refers to a court's power to hear a case for the first time, as opposed to appellate jurisdiction, where a court reviews decisions of a lower court.

Question 16

What is appellate jurisdiction?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is appellate jurisdiction?
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Question 17

What is concurrent jurisdiction?

Accepted Answer

Concurrent jurisdiction refers to situations where more than one court has the authority to hear the same case, allowing parties to choose an appropriate court from among those with jurisdiction. This does not necessarily limit the courts to the same state.

Question 18

What legal term describes a lawsuit directed against property rather than against a particular person?

Accepted Answer

In rem action is the legal term used to describe a lawsuit directed against property, rather than against a particular person. This type of action determines the title to property or some other right against all the world, rather than against a specific individual.

Question 19

What is a characteristic of an in rem action?

Accepted Answer

In rem actions are characterized by being directed against property, requiring that the property be located within the jurisdiction of the court, and necessitating notice to interested parties. This ensures that the court has authority over the property and that parties with a potential interest are informed and have the opportunity to present their claims.

Question 20

What type of jurisdiction allows a court to hear a quasi in rem action?

Accepted Answer

Quasi in rem jurisdiction refers to a court's power to adjudicate matters related to a defendant's property within its jurisdiction, even if the court does not have personal jurisdiction over the defendant. This type of jurisdiction is used to resolve disputes involving property when the court cannot establish personal jurisdiction over an absent defendant.

Quiz 1: Court Systems and Jurisdiction