JOUR 302 Chapter 1: Chapter 1 Notes
Document Summary
Number of lawsuits/lawyers have doubled since 1970. Ca has 4 times as many lawyers today than in 1975. Courts have final say in implementing the constitution & interpreting laws. Can overturn or modify laws that conflict with constitution. Supreme court is highest court in the country. Rulings are binding on all lower courts. Has final say -- unless violates the constitution. On federal matters us court of appeals is second to supreme court. All are appellate courts - cases are appealed to them from trial courts. Appellate courts: make precedent-setting decisions that interpret the meaning of law; court in which a finding from a lower court may be appealed. Appellate courts don"t reevaluate facts on their own -- remands (sends back) the case to the trial court with instruction to reassess the facts under new legal rules written by the appellate court. Sets out the rules for trial courts.
