SOCIOL 2309 Chapter Notes - Chapter 4: United States Court Of Appeals For The Federal Circuit, Diversity Jurisdiction, General Jurisdiction
Document Summary
Some courts only hear specific type of case: geographical jurisdiction the authority o courts to hear cases that arise within specified boundaries, such as city, county, state or country. Precisely where crime occurred is not always clear-cut. Within each state there are jurisdictions, usually defined by county boundaries: hierarchical jurisdiction the division of responsibilities and functions among the various courts. Limited jurisdiction those courts that deal with the less serious offsenses and civil cases. General jurisdiction when a court has the authority to hear a variety of cases and is not limited to hearing only a particular type of case. Original jurisdiction the power of the court to hear the case initially. Appellate jurisdiction the power of the court to review a decision in a lower court. Do not conduct retrial; review trial record and determine if there were any significant legal error. Trial court the court of original jurisdictions for the federal court system.