Imagine that you have been asked to talk to a local high school history class about the history of the criminal court system. You will need to explain to the class how the American criminal court system came into existence, its evolution, and how it operates today.
Choose either your local federal court jurisdiction or your state court jurisdiction.
Assessment Deliverable
Create an 8- to 10-slide presentation to use as an aide as you speak to the local high school students. In your presentation:
Explain the history of the criminal court system and how it has evolved over time.
Explain the meaning of the dual court system.
Explain the history of jury trials and how they have evolved over time.
Explain the difference between a bench trial and jury trial and how each works within the system.
Explain your local court structure.
Explain how a jury works in your local jurisdiction.
Explain the history of the appellate court structure.
Explain the appellate court structure within your local state or federal district.
Full Answer Section
- State Courts: Each state established its own court system, often modeled after the federal system.
Slide 3: The Dual Court System
- Federal Courts:
- Handle cases involving federal laws, treaties, and the Constitution.
- District Courts: Trial courts of general jurisdiction.
- Circuit Courts of Appeal: Review decisions of district courts.
- Supreme Court: Highest court in the land.
- State Courts:
- Handle cases involving state laws.
- Structure varies by state, but typically includes:
- Trial Courts: General jurisdiction and limited jurisdiction courts.
- Appellate Courts: Intermediate appellate courts and supreme courts.
Slide 4: Jury Trials: A Cornerstone of Justice
- Historical Significance: Juries have been used for centuries to ensure fair trials.
- Purpose: To determine guilt or innocence based on evidence presented in court.
- Jury Selection: A process of selecting impartial jurors.
- Jury Deliberation: The jury deliberates in private to reach a verdict.
Slide 5: Bench Trials vs. Jury Trials
- Bench Trial: A trial conducted by a judge without a jury.
- Jury Trial: A trial conducted by a jury.
- Factors Influencing Choice:
- Complexity of the case
- Potential for bias
- Defendant's preference
Slide 6: A Look at the California Court System
- California's Court Structure:
- Superior Courts: Trial courts of general jurisdiction.
- Courts of Appeal: Intermediate appellate courts.
- California Supreme Court: Highest court in the state.
Slide 7: How Juries Work in California
- Jury Selection: A process of selecting impartial jurors.
- Jury Duty: A civic duty to serve on a jury.
- Jury Deliberation: The jury deliberates in private to reach a verdict.
- Verdict: The jury's decision, which can be guilty, not guilty, or a hung jury.
Slide 8: The Evolution of Appellate Courts
- Early Appellate Courts: Limited jurisdiction and focused on legal errors.
- Modern Appellate Courts: Broader jurisdiction, including review of factual findings.
- Role of Appellate Courts:
- Ensuring fairness and consistency in the application of the law.
- Establishing legal precedent.
Slide 9: The California Court of Appeal and the California Supreme Court
- California Court of Appeal: Reviews decisions of superior courts.
- California Supreme Court: Highest court in California, reviews decisions of the Court of Appeal and superior courts.
Slide 10: Conclusion
- The American criminal court system is a complex and dynamic system.
- Understanding its history and structure is essential for informed citizenship.
- Jury trials, as a cornerstone of the system, ensure fairness and justice.
- Appellate courts play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the legal system.
Note: To tailor this presentation to a specific state or federal jurisdiction, research the details of that particular court system, including its unique features and procedures