Crash Course Government and Politics: The US Court System
Introduction
Host: Craig from Crash Course
Mention of hierarchy: Craig at the top, followed by John Green, Stan, Brandon, Zulia, etc.
Comparison of hierarchy in Crash Course HQ to the US court system
Hierarchical Structure of the American Court System
Trial Courts:
Have original jurisdiction
State Courts: Majority of cases start here; 50 states each with their own system
Federal Courts: U.S. District Courts (94 courts, 663 judges)
Civil cases can start in state or federal court if certain criteria are met
Most criminal cases start in state courts
Appeals Courts:
If dissatisfied with trial court results, appeals can be made
State courts often have two levels of appellate courts
Federal system has one level
Federal appeals courts are called circuit courts (12 in total)
Appeals typically heard by panels of three judges
Federal Court Jurisdiction
Original Jurisdiction:
Federal law is at issue
Cases involving treaties
U.S. Constitution-related cases
U.S. government as a party
Interstate Cases:
Cases involving parties from different states with more than $70,000 at issue
The Supreme Court
Appellate Jurisdiction:
Final court of appeals
Exercises judicial review
Original Jurisdiction:
Cases between U.S. and a state
Cases between two or more states
Cases involving foreign ministers or ambassadors
Crimes committed on the high seas
Case Selection for the Supreme Court:
Only about 80 decisions per year from 8,000 requests
Requires case or controversy and standing
Avoids advisory opinions
Cases must not be moot (require resolution)
Must be ripe (actual potential injury)
Political Question Doctrine: May defer to executive or legislative branches
Circuit splits: Conflicting lower court rulings
Federal government appeals
Clear constitutional questions
Conclusion
Next episode: What happens when a case reaches the Supreme Court
Production credits and support information
Note: The humorous tone of the presentation, with jokes about suing Switzerland and Craig's hierarchical position, enhances engagement but does not detract from the educational content.