OVERVIEW OF THE FEDERAL COURT SYSTEM
- What is the structure of the Federal Court System? Include the three levels of courts and their names.
- What is the jurisdiction of the Federal Court System? If you want to start a court case in the federal system, what requirements do you have to meet in terms of money or subject matter?
THE US SUPREME COURT
- What document authorizes us to have a Supreme Court? Where and when did the first US Supreme Court first meet?
- Who was the First Chief Justice? Who is the current Chief Justice? What does the Chief Justice do that is different than the other Justices?
- What is the term of the US Supreme Court (What day does the term start on?)
- If you visited the Supreme Court while they were in session, what would a typical session look like? (what does a typical day in the Supreme Court look like?)
- Explain the caseload of the US Supreme Court. How many cases are submitted to the court? How many do they actually listen to and decide on?
- Who are the current justices of the US Supreme Court?
- Give a short biography of one of the Justices. Include where they went to Law School, what President appointed them, and how long they have been on the Supreme Court.
- Give a short description of one historical Supreme Court case of interest. What were the facts of the case and what was the court's decision?
- Give a short description of one current Supreme Court case of interest. What are the facts of the case?
THE US COURTS OF APPEALS
- How are the Federal Appeals Courts organized? How many are there and what are they named?
- If a Massachusetts resident had a case at this level, which of the Federal Appeals Courts would it be in? What courthouse in Massachusetts would I go to for this case?
- Do witnesses testify in the Federal Appeals Court? If not, what evidence is heard by the Judge(s)?
THE US DISTRICT COURTS
- How are the Federal trial courts organized? What are they named? How many Federal Trial Courts are there in Massachusetts and where are they?
- Is testimonial evidence presented in this court? If yes, what types of evidence are allowed?
- Jury Duty - what are the qualifications to serve as a juror in the FEDERAL system? Who is exempt from serving as a juror in the FEDERAL system?
STATE COURT SYSTEM
- What is the structure of the Massachusetts court system? Include the levels of courts and their names.
- If a juvenile is arrested in Massachusetts, what court will his case be heard in...federal or state? Why?
- If a person files for bankruptcy in Massachusetts, what court will his case be heard in....federal or state? Why?