Chapter 13 Study Guide
Jury
Citizens that render their verdict in a case with evidence.
Criminal Trial Court
Court system in which opposing sides argue their case and present witnesses.
True or False: Appeals are possible only in the event of violations of procedural due process
False
True or False: In order to make fair decisions without undue influence by outside forces, judges must be elected
False
True or False: New evidence and witnesses may be presented in an appeals court
False
True or False: The legal principle of stare decisis means that courts often challenge precedent in their decisions
False
Adversarial
Lawyers asking questions.
For an appeal to have strength and validity, the error of law in a trial court must have affected what?
Must have affected the outcome of the trial.
Plaintiff
Party in a civil case that accuses another party of causing damage.
Which courts can hear cases involving federal laws?
State and Federal Courts.
What is the most democratic aspect of a criminal trial?
The Jury.
Who appoints federal judges?
The President.
Which court has to power to overrule the decision of a federal appeals court?
The Supreme Court.
What is the main difference between an adversarial and inquisitorial system?
The role of the court.
How are state judges selected?
They are elected or appointed.
True or False: Court cases must go through trial courts before they can go to appeals courts
True
True or False: Majority and concurrent opinions agree on the decision in an appellate case but disagree on the reason for the decision
True
True or False: The main purpose of the judicial branch of government is to interpret the laws
True
Federal courts can decide questions of state law when...
cases involve people from two different states.
If the trial court judge instructs the jury incorrectly, then the defendant may appeal the verdict based on...
error of law.
Public Defender
Appointed by court to hold up the 6th amendment.
What does a plea bargain usually involve?
Admission to a lesser crime.