In conclusion, this chapter has provided a comprehensive overview of the structure and function of courts in the American criminal justice system, with a focus on the concept of jurisdiction. We explored the critical role that courts play in resolving legal disputes and making life-and-death decisions, as well as the importance of understanding court traditions, roles, and practices. We examined the progression of a criminal case from the initial filing of charges in a local courthouse to the final stage of the appeals process, which for only a few cases will end in the U.S. Supreme Court.

Furthermore, we discussed the selection, roles, and responsibilities of the courtroom workgroup, including judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and other personnel, and how their interactions influence case outcomes and the administration of justice. We also explored the process of appeals in the legal system, including how parties petition the appeals court for case review and the decision-making process employed by appellate courts.

Finally, we acknowledged the challenges that the American justice system, including its courts, has faced throughout history in terms of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) issues. It is essential for students to recognize these challenges and work towards addressing them as they continue their studies and careers in criminal justice.

Learning Objectives

After reading this chapter, students will be able to:

1. Describe the progression of a crime or criminal case from the trial court level to the U.S. Supreme Court. Students should understand the hierarchy of both federal and state courts.
2. Differentiate between various types of jurisdiction and understand how these jurisdictional rules apply to different cases based on factors such as the seriousness of the offense, the location of the crime, and the authority of the court.
3. Identify and describe the roles and interactions of key members within the courtroom work group, including judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and other courtroom personnel. Students should understand how the dynamics of the courtroom work group influence case outcomes and the administration of justice.
4. Explain the process of appeals in the legal system, including how parties petition the appeals court for case review, and understand the decision-making process employed by appellate courts.

Review of Key Terms

• Appellant (petitioner): The party who lost in the last court and is petitioning the next level court for review.
• Appellate courts: Appeals courts that review the decisions of the trial courts.
• Appellee (respondent): The party who won in the last court.
• Bench trial: A trial where the judge hears and decides the case as the sole “trier of facts.”
• Court of last resort: The Supreme Court or state supreme court.
• Court-appointed attorney: A lawyer selected by the court to represent an indigent or poor defendant.
• Courtroom workgroup: The cooperative working relationship between prosecutors, defense attorneys, and judges in working together to efficiently resolve cases in the criminal courts.
• Courts of general jurisdiction: Courts that can hear almost any type of case.
• Courts of limited jurisdiction: Courts that can only try minor misdemeanor cases such as petty crimes, violations, and infractions.
• Defense lawyers: Lawyers that investigate the circumstances of the case, keep clients informed of any developments in the case, and take action to preserve the legal rights of the accused.
• Dual court system: The state/federal court structure where state crimes are prosecuted in state courts concerned primarily with applying state law, and federal crimes are prosecuted in the federal courts, which are concerned primarily with applying federal law.
• Jurisdiction: The legal authority or power to hear and decide a case.
• Jury trial: A trial where the judge has considerable discretion or authority when deciding what facts were proven (or not) by the parties.
• Interlocutory appeal: An appeal of a pre-trial matter.
• Original jurisdiction: When the U.S. Supreme Court acts as a trial court.
• Principle of orality: When the trier considers only the evidence developed, presented, and received into the record during trial.
• Prosecutor: A public official and lawyer who brings a legal case against a suspected offender.
• U.S. Court of Appeals: Sometimes referred to as the federal circuit courts, these courts hear challenges to lower court decisions from the U.S. District Courts located within the circuit, as well as appeals from decisions of federal administrative agencies, such as the social security courts or bankruptcy courts
• U.S. District Courts: The main trial courts in the federal court system, which are also known as “Article III Courts.”
• U.S. Supreme Court: The highest appellate court in the federal judicial system that consists of nine justices, their clerks, and administrative staff.
• Writ of certiorari (rule of four): A process where four justices must agree to accept and review a case, which happens in roughly 10 percent of the cases filed.
• Writs of habeas corpus: Claims by state and federal prisoners who allege that the government is illegally confining them in violation of the federal constitution.

Self-Comprehension Check

Licenses and Attributions for Conclusion

“Conclusion” by Roxie Supplee is licensed under CC BY 4.0.