CP U.S. Legal System Questions and Answers

Question 1

A plaintiff from California files a lawsuit in federal court against a defendant from Arizona, alleging breach of contract and seeking $80,000 in damages.
Which of the following provides the basis for the federal court's jurisdiction?

Accepted Answer

Diversity jurisdiction

Answer

Federal question jurisdiction

Answer

Pendent jurisdiction

Answer

Ancillary jurisdiction

Question 2

Which of the following BEST describes the principle of stare decisis?

Accepted Answer

The doctrine that requires courts to follow precedent when deciding cases.

Answer

The court's power to hear a case for the first time.

Answer

A legislative act that declares a person guilty of a crime without a trial.

Answer

The authority of a higher court to review decisions of lower courts.

Question 3

In the hierarchical structure of the U.S. federal court system, which court is considered the primary trial court with original jurisdiction over most federal cases?

Accepted Answer

U.S. District Courts

Answer

U.S. Supreme Court

Answer

U.S. Courts of Appeals

Answer

U.S. Bankruptcy Courts

Question 4

A paralegal is asked to research the primary sources of law in the United States. Which of the following would NOT be considered a primary source of law?

Accepted Answer

A legal encyclopedia article

Answer

A state constitution

Answer

A statute passed by the U.S. Congress

Answer

A decision by the U.S. Supreme Court

Question 5

A lawsuit is filed in a court that has proper subject matter and personal jurisdiction. However, the defendant argues that the case should be heard in a different county within the same state for the convenience of the witnesses. This argument pertains to the legal concept of:

Accepted Answer

Venue

Answer

Standing

Answer

Mootness

Answer

Ripeness

Question 6

The power of a court to hear and decide a case based on the type of legal issue involved, such as bankruptcy or patent law, is known as:

Accepted Answer

Subject matter jurisdiction

Answer

Personal jurisdiction

Answer

Long-arm jurisdiction

Answer

In rem jurisdiction