The study of the court system and the procedures used to prosecute criminal cases, including the role of judges, attorneys, and juries.
The Structure of the Court System: This topic covers the different levels of the court system, including federal and state courts, and their jurisdiction.
The Role of Judges: Exploring the role of judges in the court system, including how judges are appointed, their various functions, and ethical considerations.
The Role of Lawyers: Understanding the various functions of lawyers, including their role in evidence gathering, representation, and plea bargaining.
Criminal Procedure: Examining the process by which criminal cases move through the court system, from arrest through sentencing.
Courtroom Dynamics: Understanding the dynamics of the courtroom, including witness testimony, jury selection, and the presentation of evidence.
Pretrial Processes: Understanding how cases are reviewed before trial, including plea bargaining, pretrial motions, and discovery.
Trial Processes: Understanding the process of trial, including opening statements, witness examination, and closing arguments.
Sentencing and Punishment: Examining the various forms of punishment handed out by the courts, including incarceration, probation, and community service.
Appeals and Post-Conviction Relief: Understanding the process of appeals and post-conviction relief, including the rights of defendants, the appeal process, and the role of appellate courts.
Contemporary Issues in the Courts: Examining major debates and controversies surrounding the courts, including judicial activism, sentencing disparities, and judicial independence.
Supreme Court: The highest court in the land, which hears appeals from lower courts and has the final say on constitutional matters.
Appellate Court: Reviews decisions made by lower courts to determine if any legal errors were made and to uphold, reverse or modify decisions.
Circuit Court: Generally includes hearing of civil cases, criminal cases, and cases involving family and juvenile law.
District Court: The primary trial court in the federal system that hears both civil and criminal cases.
County Court: Deals with traffic violations and misdemeanor criminal cases.
Magistrate Court: Handles small claims and misdemeanor cases and preliminary hearings for higher-level cases.
Tax Court: Deals with disputes between taxpayers and the Internal Revenue Service.
Bankruptcy Court: Deals with cases involving bankruptcy and the restructuring of debts.
Immigration Court: Handles cases involving immigration law, including deportation hearings and asylum claims.
Workers Compensation Court: Deals with disputes between employees and employers over workers' compensation benefits.
Juvenile Court: Deals with cases involving children who are deemed delinquent or in need of protection and services.
Military Court: Courts that handle crimes committed by members of the military.
Tribal Court: Courts that hear cases involving disputes between members of Native American tribes and the government of the United States.