⚖️Covering Politics Unit 9 – Judiciary System and Court Reporting

Key Players in the Judiciary

• Judges preside over court proceedings, interpret the law, and issue rulings on cases
  • Trial judges oversee trials, hear evidence, and render verdicts in lower courts
  • Appellate judges review decisions made by lower courts and determine if legal errors were made
• Attorneys represent clients in court, present evidence, and make legal arguments
  • Prosecutors represent the government in criminal cases and work to prove the defendant's guilt
  • Defense attorneys represent the accused and work to protect their rights and defend them against charges
• Juries, composed of citizens, are selected to hear evidence in trials and reach verdicts based on the facts presented
  • Grand juries determine if there is enough evidence to charge someone with a crime and proceed to trial
  • Petit juries hear evidence in civil and criminal trials and decide the outcome of the case
• Court clerks manage administrative tasks, maintain records, and assist judges during court proceedings
• Bailiffs maintain order and security in the courtroom, escort defendants, and enforce court rules

Court Structure and Hierarchy

• Federal courts, established under the U.S. Constitution, handle cases involving federal laws, constitutional issues, and disputes between states or citizens of different states
  • U.S. Supreme Court is the highest court in the nation and has the final say on constitutional matters and federal law
  • U.S. Courts of Appeals, divided into 12 regional circuits, hear appeals from district courts and review decisions for legal errors
  • U.S. District Courts are the trial courts of the federal system and hear both civil and criminal cases
• State courts handle cases involving state laws, local disputes, and most criminal cases
  • State supreme courts are the highest courts in each state and have the final say on matters of state law
  • State appellate courts review decisions made by lower state courts for legal errors
  • State trial courts (district, circuit, or superior courts) are where most cases begin and are tried
• Specialized courts focus on specific types of cases or individuals
  • Bankruptcy courts handle personal and business bankruptcy cases
  • Family courts deal with issues related to divorce, child custody, and domestic violence
  • Juvenile courts handle cases involving minors accused of crimes or in need of protection

Types of Cases and Jurisdictions

• Civil cases involve disputes between individuals or organizations, often seeking monetary damages or specific actions
  • Contract disputes, personal injury claims, and property disagreements are common civil cases
• Criminal cases involve violations of law and are prosecuted by the government on behalf of society
  • Felonies are serious crimes (murder, rape, robbery) punishable by more than one year in prison
  • Misdemeanors are less serious offenses (petty theft, simple assault) with punishments of less than one year in jail
• Original jurisdiction refers to a court's authority to hear a case for the first time
  • Trial courts have original jurisdiction over most cases
• Appellate jurisdiction is a court's authority to review decisions made by lower courts
  • Appeals courts have appellate jurisdiction and can affirm, reverse, or modify lower court rulings
• Exclusive jurisdiction means only one court has the authority to hear a specific type of case
  • Federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction over bankruptcy, patent, and copyright cases
• Concurrent jurisdiction exists when both state and federal courts have the authority to hear a case
  • Diversity of citizenship cases, where parties are from different states, can be heard in either state or federal court

Court Procedures and Protocols

• Filing a complaint or indictment initiates a civil or criminal case, respectively
• Pretrial proceedings include discovery (exchanging evidence), motions (requests for court orders), and plea bargaining (negotiating a resolution)
• Jury selection (voir dire) involves questioning potential jurors to ensure fairness and impartiality
• Opening statements allow attorneys to present an overview of their case to the jury
• Presentation of evidence includes witness testimony, documents, and physical evidence
  • Direct examination is when an attorney questions their own witness
  • Cross-examination is when the opposing attorney questions the witness
• Closing arguments are the final opportunity for attorneys to persuade the jury
• Jury deliberation occurs when the jury discusses the case in private to reach a verdict
• Sentencing is the punishment imposed by the judge after a guilty verdict or plea

Legal Terminology Essentials

• Jurisdiction refers to a court's authority to hear a case based on the type of case, location, or parties involved
• Probable cause is the reasonable belief that a crime has been committed, necessary for an arrest or search warrant
• Burden of proof is the obligation to prove a case, typically "beyond a reasonable doubt" in criminal cases and "preponderance of the evidence" in civil cases
• Admissible evidence is information that can be legally considered by the court, following rules of evidence
• Hearsay is an out-of-court statement offered as evidence, generally inadmissible with some exceptions
• Subpoena is a court order compelling a witness to testify or produce evidence
• Deposition is sworn testimony given outside of court, used to gather information during discovery
• Injunction is a court order requiring a party to do or refrain from doing a specific act

Reporting Techniques for Court Cases

• Attend court proceedings in person to observe body language, tone, and reactions not captured in transcripts
• Develop relationships with court staff, attorneys, and other legal professionals to gain insight and access
• Review court documents, including complaints, motions, and orders, to understand the legal issues and arguments
• Summarize complex legal issues and proceedings in clear, concise language for readers
• Provide context and background information to help readers understand the significance of the case
• Use direct quotes sparingly and strategically to convey key points or powerful statements
• Balance the public's right to know with the privacy rights of individuals involved in the case
• Verify information from multiple sources and fact-check details before publishing

Ethical Considerations in Court Reporting

• Respect the presumption of innocence and avoid implying guilt before a verdict is reached
• Protect the identities of minors, victims of sexual crimes, and confidential informants
• Avoid influencing the outcome of a trial through biased or sensationalized reporting
• Refrain from interviewing jurors during a trial to prevent interference with the judicial process
• Obtain information through proper legal channels and avoid using leaked documents or anonymous sources
• Disclose any potential conflicts of interest, such as personal relationships with parties involved in the case
• Strive for accuracy, fairness, and balance in reporting, presenting both sides of the case
• Correct errors promptly and prominently to maintain credibility and trust with readers

Impact of Court Decisions on Politics

• Landmark Supreme Court cases, such as Brown v. Board of Education and Roe v. Wade, shape national policies and social norms
• Court rulings on controversial issues (same-sex marriage, gun control) can spark political debates and legislative action
• Judicial appointments, particularly to the Supreme Court, have long-lasting impacts on the interpretation of laws and the political landscape
• Courts can strike down laws passed by Congress or state legislatures, acting as a check on the other branches of government
• Decisions on voting rights, redistricting, and campaign finance regulations directly impact electoral processes and outcomes
• High-profile cases can influence public opinion, mobilize activists, and pressure politicians to address issues
• Compliance with court orders, such as desegregation or environmental regulations, can require significant government resources and oversight
• Controversial rulings can lead to calls for judicial reform, such as term limits for judges or changes to the appointment process