POL SCI 121A Study Guide - Final Guide: Statutory Interpretation, Federal Judiciary Of The United States, Original Intent
Document Summary
Criminal law, or penal law, is the bodies of rules with the potential for severe impositions as punishment for failure to comply. Criminal punishment, depending on the offense and jurisdiction, may include execution, loss of liberty, government supervision (parole or probation), or fines. Civil law, as opposed to criminal law, is the branch of law dealing with disputes between individuals and/or organizations, in which compensation may be awarded to the victim. For instance, if a car crash victim claims damages against the driver for loss or injury sustained in an accident, this will be a civil law case. The original jurisdiction of a court is the power to hear a case for the first time. Appellate jurisdiction is the power of a court to review decisions and change outcomes of decisions of lower courts. Court of the united states practice that permits four of the nine justices to grant a writ of certiorari.
