POLS 207 Chapter Notes - Chapter 11: Incumbent, Equal Protection Clause, Sixth Amendment To The United States Constitution
23 Oct 2017
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Document Summary
Only 4% of judges in us are federal - other 96% are state judges. Nearly all laws that people can violate are state laws. State/local governments most frequently prosecute criminal cases: felonies - serious violations with substantial nes and imprisonment, misdemeanors - less serious crimes. State courts adjudicate nearly all civil cases (99. 8% of all civil cases) Civil cases - disputes between 2 entities. Rights: 5th amendment - rights of accused persons in criminal trials. Can"t be accused for same crime twice. Can"t be used as witness against himself: 6th amendment - right to speedy trial and more criminal trial protections. Informed of nature and cause of accusation. Assistance of counsel for defense: 8th amendment - bails and punishments. Decide whether to uphold or overrule decisions. Accepts few cases for review: supreme court. State supreme court also called nal appeals court or court of last resort. Individuals not involved in original trial may submit advice in form amicus curiae briefs.
