SOC 1500 Lecture Notes - Lecture 10: United States Territorial Court, Superior Court, Victimology

• School: University of Guelph
• Department: Sociology
• Course: SOC 1500
• Professor: Stephanie Howells

Document Summary

Chapter 10 - criminal courts and court personnel. The intent of the courts is to help people resolve disputes fairly - whether they are between individuals, or between individuals and the state. Courts interpret and pronounce law, set standards, and decide questions that affect all aspects of canadian society. Most of the work of the criminal courts is done by provincial and territorial courts. All offenders make their first appearance in these courts and most resolved here. Hear serious criminal matters and family law cases including divorces. Has more power than the level below it. Inherent jurisdiction - can hear cases in any area of the law except for law that is limited to another level of court. Tend to try the most serious criminal and civil cases. Hear criminal cases from the provincial and territorial courts or the superior courts. Commercial disputes, property disputes, negligence claims, family disputes, bankruptcies, and corporate reorganizations.