CP U.S. Legal System 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the structure of the federal court system?
- One level: the Supreme Court
- Two levels: District Courts and Supreme Court
- Three levels: District Courts, Circuit Courts of Appeals, and the Supreme Court (Correct answer)
- Four levels: Magistrate, District, Circuit, and Supreme Court
Correct 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.
U.S. District Courts (94 trial courts in 12 regional circuits plus D.C.) handle civil and criminal cases. U.S. Courts of Appeals (11 numbered circuits, D.C. Circuit, and Federal Circuit for specialized cases). The Supreme Court has nine justices with original and appellate jurisdiction. Specialized courts include Tax Court, Bankruptcy Courts, and Court of Federal Claims.
Question 2: What is federal question jurisdiction?
- Jurisdiction over government agency cases
- Authority to hear cases arising under the Constitution, federal statutes, or treaties (Correct answer)
- Jurisdiction when a federal judge asks questions
- Right to appeal state decisions to federal court
Correct 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.
Under the well-pleaded complaint rule (Louisville & Nashville R.R. v. Mottley), the federal question must appear on the face of the complaint. Common cases include constitutional claims, civil rights actions, federal statutory claims, and patent/copyright cases. No amount-in-controversy requirement exists.
Question 3: What is diversity jurisdiction in federal court?
- Jurisdiction over racial discrimination
- Jurisdiction over cases between citizens of different states where the amount exceeds $75,000 (Correct answer)
- Jurisdiction over international party cases
- Jurisdiction promoting diversity
Correct 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.
Complete diversity is required (Strawbridge v. Curtiss) meaning no plaintiff can share state citizenship with any defendant. Individuals are citizens of their domicile; corporations of both their incorporation state and principal place of business. Diversity jurisdiction provides a neutral forum free from local bias.
Question 4: What is the Supremacy Clause and what principle does it establish?
- Establishes the Supreme Court as highest
- Article VI establishes federal law as supreme and prevails over conflicting state law (Correct answer)
- Gives the President supreme authority
- Establishes separation of powers
Correct 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.
The Supremacy Clause means state laws conflicting with valid federal law are preempted. Federal preemption can be express (Congress explicitly states intent), conflict preemption (compliance with both is impossible), or field preemption (federal regulation is so comprehensive it occupies the entire field).
Question 5: What is the role of a grand jury in the U.S. legal system?
- Determine guilt or innocence
- Determine whether sufficient evidence exists to indict a person for a serious crime (Correct answer)
- Sentence convicted criminals
- Hear civil cases
Correct 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.
A grand jury (typically 16-23 members in federal court) determines probable cause. Proceedings are secret, only prosecution presents, defendant has no right to be present, evidence rules are relaxed, and the standard is probable cause. A true bill means indictment; no bill means no charges. Not all states require grand juries.
Question 6: What is judicial review and how was it established?
- Reviewing judicial appointments
- The power to declare laws unconstitutional, established in Marbury v. Madison (1803) (Correct answer)
- Appellate review of trial decisions
- Senate review of nominees
Correct 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.
Marbury v. Madison established three principles: the Constitution is supreme law, conflicting laws are void, and courts have the authority to determine when laws violate the Constitution. Judicial review serves as a check on legislative and executive power.
CP U.S. Legal System 2
What is the structure of the federal court system?