Chapter 11.1 The Lower Courts

• The Federal Court System consists of 2 parts– The Lower Courts – The Supreme Court

Structure of the Lower Courts • Local level

– Usually a county level for larger cities• Summit County Common Pleas Court

• District Court– Trial courts used for appeals from local level

• Akron Federal District Court

• Courts of Appeals – Cover a large judicial district called a circuit

• Circuit = area that includes multiple district courts– We are in the 6th district Courts of Appeals

• No trial, just briefs given to panel of judges. – Briefs = written legal arguments given by both plaintiff and defendant.

• Supreme Court of United States– Highest level of court in America

Summit County Court of Common Pleas, Akron, Ohio

Akron Federal District Court, Akron, Ohio

Courts of Appeals, 6th District

Supreme Court, Washington, D.C.

The Role of the Lower Courts

1. Resolving Disputes

2. Setting Precedents

3. Interpreting Laws

Resolving Disputes

• Judges at lower courts hear cases dealing with disputes between private individuals– Important!!

• ONLY PEOPLE WHO HAVE SUFFERED AN INJURY CAN BRING SUIT IN A COURT OF LAW.

– Physical – Mental – Chattel

Setting Precedents

• Although judges rule only on specific cases, their decisions can have far reaching consequences

• Judges ruling = precedent– Guiding principle for determining what is legal

in future situations that involve a similar issue. • Example:

– Roe vs. Wade– Brown vs. Board of Education

Interpreting the Law

• Judges must interpret what the law means. – 2 types of judges

• Strict constructionist – Laws and the U.S. Constitution should be interpreted strictly

according to exactly what they say.

» Amendment 2 –”the right to bear arms”

• Loose Constructionist– Believe that laws and U.S. Constitution should be interpreted in

accordance with today’s conditions.

» Amendment 2 – Do we need guns today?

Do your homework…

• Look at board.