Trial Courts of General Jurisdiction

Trial courts of general jurisdiction bear the main burden in the administration of justice. They hear cases outside the jurisdiction of the trial courts of limited jurisdiction. These involve both civil and criminal cases. One judge (often sitting with a jury) usually hears them. In such cases, the judge decides issues of law, while the jury decides issues of fact.

Intermediate Appellate Courts

Many, but not all, states have intermediate appellate courts between the trial courts of general jurisdiction and the highest court in the state. Any party, except in a case where a defendant in a criminal trial has been found not guilty, who is not satisfied with the judgment of a state trial court may appeal the matter to an appropriate intermediate appellate court. These courts usually sit in panels of two or three judges and review cases appealed from trial courts to determine if the law was correctly interpreted and applied.

Highest State Courts

All states have some sort of highest court. While they are usually referred to as supreme courts, some, such as the highest court in Maryland, are known as courts of appeal. In states with intermediate appellate courts, the highest state courts usually have discretionary review as to whether to accept a case. In states without intermediate appellate courts, appeals may usually be taken to the highest state court as a matter of right. In addition, many state supreme courts have original jurisdiction in certain matters. For example, the highest courts in several states have original jurisdiction over controversies regarding elections and the reapportionment of legislative districts.

Ответьте на вопросы по тексту.

1. What cases do trial courts of limited jurisdiction deal with?

2. What jurisdiction does the Probate court have?

3. What cases does the Family court examine?

4. What is the jurisdiction of the Traffic court?

5. What cases does the Juvenile court consider?

6. What cases does the Small claims court hear?

7. What cases does the Municipal court deal with?

8. What is the jurisdiction of trial courts of general jurisdiction?

9. What is the role of intermediate appellate courts?

10. What is the jurisdiction of highest state courts?

UNIT 5. JUDICIAL BRANCH OF THE UNUTED KINGDOM