U.S. Legal System Flashcards
6 cards from real CP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 U.S. Legal System flashcards as text
What is the structure of the federal court system?
Answer: Three levels: District Courts, Circuit Courts of Appeals, and the Supreme Court
The federal system has three tiers: 94 District Courts, 13 Circuit Courts of Appeals, and the Supreme Court.
What is federal question jurisdiction?
Answer: Authority to hear cases arising under the Constitution, federal statutes, or treaties
Under 28 U.S.C. 1331, federal courts have jurisdiction over cases arising under the Constitution, laws, or treaties.
What is diversity jurisdiction in federal court?
Answer: Jurisdiction over cases between citizens of different states where the amount exceeds $75,000
Under 28 U.S.C. 1332, federal courts have jurisdiction when there is complete diversity and the amount exceeds $75,000.
What is the Supremacy Clause and what principle does it establish?
Answer: Article VI establishes federal law as supreme and prevails over conflicting state law
Article VI declares the Constitution, federal statutes, and treaties are the supreme law of the land.
What is the role of a grand jury in the U.S. legal system?
Answer: Determine whether sufficient evidence exists to indict a person for a serious crime
A grand jury reviews prosecution evidence to determine whether probable cause exists for an indictment.
What is judicial review and how was it established?
Answer: The power to declare laws unconstitutional, established in Marbury v. Madison (1803)
Judicial review is the power to examine laws and declare them unconstitutional, established by Chief Justice Marshall.