SOC 271 Lecture Notes - Lecture 15: General Jurisdiction, Appellate Jurisdiction

• School: University of Miami
• Department: Sociology
• Course: SOC 271
• Professor: Nick Petersen

Document Summary

Us has a dual court system: courts at both 1) state and 2) federal levels. State and federal levels have parallel structures/jurisdictions. Federal law in almost all cases trumps state law. Most cases, state supreme courts interpret and decide constitutional issues arising from each of the sovereignties unless and federal issue is involved. Federal courts represent one branch of government established by the constitution. Jurisdiction varies based on the types of cases they handle. In federal courts, all felony prosecutions must be initiated by indictment and are used in cases involving serious crimes. State courses may begin with an information or complaint. Federal cases will not hear cases involving state laws. 3 levels of jurisdiction: trial courts aka felony, district or superior courts/ courts of limited jurisdictions. Make bail decisions: courts of general jurisdiction. Include justice of peace courts, municipal courts, county courts, magistrates court. Full court transcript kept includes some county courts. Hear appeals from decisions in lower courts.