Structure of the Court System: Crash Course Government and Politics #19

Summary

Crash Course Government and Politics explores the hierarchical structure of the U.S. court system, starting from trial courts with original jurisdiction to the Supreme Court, which handles appeals and has original jurisdiction in specific cases. The video explains the criteria for cases to reach the Supreme Court, including the need for a federal question, and discusses the court's decision rules like case or controversy, standing, mootness, and ripeness. It also touches on the court's tendency to resolve circuit splits and hear cases with clear constitutional questions.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ The U.S. court system is hierarchical, with a clear structure from trial courts to the Supreme Court.
• 🌳 Most cases start in state courts, which handle the majority of legal disputes, both civil and criminal.
• 🚫 The majority of disputes are settled outside of court, showcasing the efficiency of the legal system.
• 🏛️ U.S. District Courts are the trial courts on the federal level, with 94 courts and approximately 663 judges.
• 🔄 If a case is lost in a trial court, appeals can be made if there are procedural errors or misapplications of law.
• 📈 State courts usually have two levels of appellate courts, while the federal system has one.
• 📊 Federal appeals courts, or circuit courts, are distributed regionally, with 12 in total, impacting the ideological leaning of decisions.
• 📜 The Supreme Court has original jurisdiction in specific cases, including those involving federal laws, treaties, the U.S. Constitution, and disputes between states or involving foreign ministers.
• 📉 The Supreme Court receives around 8,000 cases per year but only issues about 80 decisions, using decision rules to select cases.
• 🚫 The Supreme Court will not hear cases that are not ripe (where the injury has not yet occurred) or are moot (no longer requiring resolution).

Q & A

What is the hierarchical structure of Crash Course as described in the script?

The hierarchy starts with Craig at the top, followed by John Green, Stan, Brandon, Zulaiha, and then a group of independent contractors. It humorously ends with an eagle at the bottom, indicating a playful and non-traditional hierarchy.

Why is the American court system described as hierarchical?

The American court system is hierarchical because it is structured with different levels of courts, each with specific jurisdictions and roles, starting from the trial courts at the bottom to the Supreme Court at the top.

What is the primary function of trial courts in the U.S. court system?

Trial courts have original jurisdiction, meaning they are the first to hear cases, both civil and criminal, and they conduct trials to determine the facts and apply the law.

How do the number of U.S. district courts and their judges compare to state courts?

There are 94 U.S. district courts with approximately 663 judges, whereas each state has its own court system, which collectively handles the majority of cases due to the larger number of state courts and judges.

What are the criteria for a case to start in federal district courts?

A case can start in federal district courts if it involves a federal law, treaties, the U.S. Constitution, or if the U.S. government is a party to the litigation.

Why might a plaintiff choose to bring a case in federal court instead of state court?

A plaintiff might choose federal court if the case meets specific federal criteria, such as involving federal law or the U.S. Constitution, or if there's a desire for a potentially more impartial judgment.

What is the role of appellate courts in the U.S. court system?

Appellate courts review decisions made by lower courts to correct legal errors. They have the authority to uphold, modify, or reverse the lower court's decision, and in the federal system, there is one level of appellate courts called circuit courts.

How does the regional distribution of federal circuit courts affect case outcomes?

The region where a case is heard can affect outcomes because judges in different circuits may have varying judicial philosophies, such as the 9th circuit being more liberal compared to the 5th circuit.

What are the four scenarios where federal courts have original jurisdiction?

Federal courts have original jurisdiction in cases involving federal law, treaties, the U.S. Constitution, and cases where the U.S. government is a party to the litigation.

How does the Supreme Court's appellate jurisdiction work, and what is judicial review?

The Supreme Court's appellate jurisdiction allows it to review decisions from lower courts. Judicial review is the process by which the Supreme Court evaluates the constitutionality of laws and government actions when hearing a case.

What are the circumstances under which the Supreme Court has original jurisdiction?

The Supreme Court has original jurisdiction in cases between the U.S. and a state, between two or more states, involving foreign ministers or ambassadors, and in cases brought by citizens of one state against another or a foreign country.

Why does the Supreme Court not hear many cases, and what are some of its decision rules?

The Supreme Court does not hear many cases due to its limited number of justices and the high volume of requests. It has decision rules such as requiring a case or controversy, standing, and avoiding moot or unripe cases to weed out cases it does not wish to hear.

What is a 'circuit split' and why does it often lead to the Supreme Court hearing a case?

A 'circuit split' occurs when different federal circuit courts reach conflicting conclusions on the same legal issue. The Supreme Court often hears such cases to provide a统一 interpretation of the law and resolve the confusion.

Outlines

00:00

🏛 Hierarchical Structure of US Court System

The paragraph introduces the hierarchical nature of the U.S. court system, starting with trial courts that have original jurisdiction. State courts handle the majority of cases, with most disputes being settled outside of court. The federal trial courts, U.S. district courts, have specific criteria for cases to be brought before them. Appeals can be made if there are procedural errors or misapplications of law. State courts typically have two levels of appellate courts, while the federal system has one. Federal appeals courts, or circuit courts, vary in their judicial philosophies based on regional differences. The paragraph also explains the four scenarios where federal courts have original jurisdiction, including cases involving federal laws, treaties, the U.S. Constitution, and disputes between states or involving the U.S. government.

05:00

📚 Path to the Supreme Court and Case Selection

This paragraph delves into the process of how cases reach the Supreme Court and the criteria the court uses to select cases. The Supreme Court primarily exercises appellate jurisdiction and hears cases that have undergone judicial review. It has original jurisdiction in specific types of cases, such as those involving disputes between states or crimes committed on the high seas. The court receives approximately 8,000 requests for review annually but only issues about 80 decisions. To be considered, a case must present a live controversy, require standing (a substantial stake in the outcome), and not be moot or unripe. The Supreme Court is more likely to take cases that involve a circuit split, are initiated by the federal government, or present clear constitutional questions. However, it avoids cases that are better suited for the executive or legislative branches or those it deems politically sensitive.

Keywords

💡Hierarchy

Hierarchy refers to a system of ranked levels or orders. In the context of the video, it is used to describe the organizational structure of both Crash Course and the U.S. court system. The video emphasizes the importance of hierarchy in ensuring efficiency and order, with each level having a specific role and function. For instance, the U.S. court system is hierarchical, with trial courts at the bottom and the Supreme Court at the top, each dealing with different types of cases and appeals.

💡Original Jurisdiction

Original jurisdiction is the authority of a court to hear a case for the first time. The video explains that trial courts, both at the state and federal level, have original jurisdiction, meaning they are the first to hear cases. This is a fundamental concept in understanding the court system's structure, as it sets the stage for the judicial process and the potential for appeals.

💡Appellate Courts

Appellate courts are higher courts that review the decisions made by lower courts. The video mentions that most states have two levels of appellate courts, while the federal system has one. These courts hear appeals when there is a claim of procedural error or misapplication of the law, which is crucial for ensuring justice and legal correctness.

💡U.S. District Courts

U.S. District Courts are the federal trial courts and are the starting point for most federal cases. The video notes that there are 94 district courts with 663 judges, highlighting their importance in the federal judicial system. These courts handle a wide range of cases, including those that meet specific criteria for federal jurisdiction.

💡Federal Appeals Courts

Federal Appeals Courts, also known as circuit courts, are part of the federal judiciary system that reviews appeals from district courts. The video explains that there are 12 of these courts, and their decisions can vary based on regional differences, such as the more liberal judges in the 9th circuit compared to the 5th circuit.

💡Original Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court

The Supreme Court has original jurisdiction in a limited number of cases, which means it can act as a trial court. The video lists cases involving the U.S. and a state, disputes between states, cases involving foreign ministers, and cases of crimes committed on the high seas as examples. This is a unique aspect of the Supreme Court's role within the judicial system.

💡Judicial Review

Judicial review is the process by which a court, typically the Supreme Court, reviews the constitutionality of laws and government actions. The video explains that when the Supreme Court hears a case, it exercises judicial review, which is a critical function in ensuring that laws and government actions comply with the Constitution.

💡Standing

Standing is a legal requirement that a party must have a direct and substantial interest in a case to bring it before a court. The video uses the term to explain one of the hurdles a potential litigant must overcome to have their case heard by the Supreme Court. It ensures that the parties involved have a genuine stake in the outcome of the case.

💡Mootness

Mootness refers to a case that no longer requires a resolution, often because the circumstances or parties involved have changed in a way that makes the case irrelevant. The video uses the example of a party being dead to illustrate mootness, which is a reason the Supreme Court might refuse to hear a case.

💡Ripeness

Ripeness is a legal concept that refers to whether a case is ready for judicial review. The video uses the analogy of a hard avocado to explain that a case is not ripe, or ready for review, if the potential injury has not yet occurred. This is another factor the Supreme Court considers when deciding whether to hear a case.

💡Political Question Doctrine

The political question doctrine is a principle that some issues are better left to the legislative or executive branches of government rather than being decided by the judiciary. The video mentions this as a vague decision rule that can lead the Supreme Court to refuse to hear certain cases, reflecting a balance of power among the branches of government.

Highlights

Crash Course Government and Politics emphasizes the importance of hierarchy in the U.S. court system.

The American court system is hierarchical, with the majority of cases starting in state courts.

Most disputes are settled outside of court, showcasing the efficiency of the legal system.

U.S. district courts are the federal trial courts, with 94 courts and approximately 663 judges.

In civil cases, plaintiffs may choose between state and federal courts based on certain criteria.

Almost all criminal cases initiate in state courts.

Appeals are possible if there are procedural errors or misapplications of law in trial courts.

State courts typically have two levels of appellate courts, while the federal system has one.

Federal appeals courts, or circuit courts, are distributed regionally and their judges' ideologies can vary by region.

Federal courts have original jurisdiction in four specific scenarios, including cases involving federal laws and the U.S. Constitution.

The Supreme Court is the final court of appeals and handles cases that raise federal questions.

The Supreme Court has original jurisdiction in cases involving the U.S. and a state, between states, or involving foreign ministers.

The Supreme Court receives about 8,000 cases per year but only issues around 80 decisions.

For a case to be heard by the Supreme Court, there must be a case or controversy, meaning no advisory opinions are issued.

Standing is required for parties to bring a case, indicating a substantial stake in the outcome.

Cases that are moot, meaning they no longer require a resolution, are not heard by the Supreme Court.

The political question doctrine allows the court to avoid cases better handled by the executive or legislative branches.

The Supreme Court is likely to hear cases involving a circuit split or where the federal government initiated the appeal.

Constitutional questions, particularly unsettled ones, often lead to cases being taken up by the Supreme Court.

Transcripts

Hi, I'm Craig and this is Crash Course Government and Politics. As fans of our series know,

here at Crash Course we believe in hierarchy. First at the top you got me, then there's

John Green, then Stan, then Brandon, then Zulaiha, then a bunch of independent contractors

- wait I'm an independent contractor. But I'm still at the top! Anyway then the rest

of it's turtles all the way down. 'Cept at the bottom. There's an eagle.

Anyway, it's the strict adherence to hierarchy that makes CC HQ run like a well-oiled machine.

The same can be said for the U.S. court system.

[Theme Music]

As you probably remember, because you're a smart rememberer of things, the American court

system is hierarchical which means any discussion of it cries out for a visual representation. Thought Bubble!

Like Drake, we'll start from the bottom. The trial courts have original jurisdiction. When

you realize there are 50 states, each with its own court system, it shouldn't be a surprise

that the vast majority of cases start out in state courts. Of course most cases never

get to court at all. The vast majority of disputes, criminal and civil, are settled

outside of court. How's that for efficiency.

On the federal side, the trial courts are the U.S. district courts. There are 94 of

them with 663 judges, more or less. Sometimes in civil cases, a plaintiff, the person bringing

the case, will have a choice of whether to bring that case in state or federal court.

But you can only start in the district courts if your case meets certain important criteria.

Almost all criminal cases start in state courts. So if you don't like the result in a trial

court, and you have a reasonable claim that there was something procedurally wrong with

the case or the way the law was applied, you can bring an appeal.

Notice that if you start in state courts, you usually have more chances for appeal because

most states have two levels of appellate courts, and the federal system has one. Appeals courts

can refuse to hear appeals, and if they do, you're done. One thing to remember: the loser

can always try to appeal, even if that loser was of the state that failed in its prosecution.

Federal appeals courts are called circuit courts, and there are 12 of them distributed

regionally throughout the U.S.. You might guess if the region where your case is heard

matters, and you'd be right! Judges in the 9th circuit, which includes California and

Oregon, tend to be more liberal than judges in the 5th circuit.

Federal appeals are usually heard by panels of three judges while trials in the district

court are before a single judge. There are four scenarios where the federal courts have

original jurisdiction, and in all cases they must be brought in a district court.

They are: Cases where the law at issue is a federal

law like a claim against Obamacare. Cases involving treaties which are by definition

federal laws. These are pretty rare and rarely interesting.

Cases involving the U.S. Constitution. For example a case concerning freedom of religion.

And cases where the U.S. government is a party to the litigation.

The other type of case that can go in a federal court is one involving more than one state

where there's more than 70,000 dollars at issue. This make sense because if the parties

in dispute are in different states, they might not even agree where to have the trial, and

federal judges are supposed to be more impartial than state judges.

Thanks Thought Bubble. So thoughtful. So bubbly.

If you read the news and pay attention to legal cases, most of what you see are lower

court decisions. At least until the spring when the supreme court starts handing down

decisions. These are the ones that tend to make it into the history books and that you

may have even heard of. But how does a case get to the supreme court, Craig?

Well, I will answer that for you. That's my job.

Most of the time, the supreme court has appellate jurisdiction. In fact, it's the final court

of appeals. If you lose there, you really really lost. When the court hears a case it's

called judicial review. There are however circumstances when the supreme court has original

jurisdiction and can act like a trial court. So it's a good thing that most of the justices

are in fact lawyers. Although there's no constitutional requirement that they need to be.

The court has original jurisdiction in cases between the U.S. and a state, cases between

two or more states, cases involving foreign ministers or ambassadors, and cases brought

by citizens of one state against citizens of another state or against a foreign country.

What do these cases have in common? The main thing is that you can't imagine there being

a single state where they could happen. This is especially true in cases involving foreign officials.

And then there are my favorite supreme court cases - crimes committed on the high seas.

That's right -- the supreme court can exercise original jurisdiction over pirates! This is

not as weird as it sounds because crimes on the high seas by definition have not happened

in any state, so where are you gonna have the trial?

But most of the time, cases that make it to the supreme court are there on appeal. In

order for the court to exercise its appellate jurisdiction, the case must raise a federal question.

For example one involving due process or equal protection, or an important federal statute.

Statute! If you don't know what those terms mean, don't worry. We'll get to them.

Here's the thing though: the supreme court doesn't hear a lot of cases, it doesn't want to.

And I don't want to either! I understand! They also can't. And it's not just because

most of the justices are kind of old, it's because there are only nine of them, and they

get requests to review about 8,000 cases a year.

Out of these they actually hand down about 80 decisions. So they have decision rules

to weed out the cases that they don't want to hear. The first one is there has to be

a case or controversy, which means that you can't request the court to review whether

or not a law is unconstitutional before it has gone into effect. There has to be an actual injury first.

Another way of saying this is that the supreme court will not issue advisory opinions, speculating

in whether or not a law might violate the constitution.

The second hurdle a potential supreme court litigant has to get over is called standing.

Huh! That sounds terrible. I wouldn't want to be standing. No, this means that in order

to bring a case, the parties must have a substantial stake in the outcome, which usually means

an actual injury. Lack of standing is one reason that the court has refused cases about

same sex marriage brought by opposite sex married people.

The court will also refuse to hear cases that is moot. Mootness, which is a real word I promise,

I'm reading it on a teleprompter, means that the case no longer requires a resolution.

Say because one of the parties is dead. The flipside of mootness is ripeness. If a potential

injury has yet to occur, the case is not ripe. It's like a hard avocado.

Your guacamole...just not going to be very good.

It's best not to be too anxious about bringing your case. Most of the time you can wait, except in cases like

Bush v Gore, where we kind of needed a new outcome so a new president could move into the White House.

There's also a vague decision rule called the political question doctrine. In some cases

the court would rather let the executive or legislative branch handle the issue and not get involved.

There are certain cases that the court would almost always take, even though all things

being equal, they'd rather not. When the circuit courts have reached different or conflicting

conclusions on the same issue, what's known as a circuit split, the court will usually

hear the case to resolve the confusion. The court will also almost always hear a case

where the federal government itself initiated the appeal.

Finally the supreme court will usually take a case that has a clear constitutional question

like one involving freedom of speech or religion, although there are sometimes constitutional

issues that they feel are settled, or they just don't want to deal with.

For a long time, for example, the court didn't hear gun control cases,

and nowadays they don't usually take obscenity cases.

Okay so that's the structure of the court system and how a case does, or usually doesn't,

make it to the supreme court. But what we haven't really discussed is what happens when

a case does make it to the supreme court. We'll show you that next time when we take

a shortcut to the supreme court by suing the ambassador to Switzerland for making such

delicious chocolate. It's making me unhealthy. Thanks for watching, see ya next time.

We're not actually going to sue Switzerland.

Crash Course Government and Politics is produced in association with PBS Digital Studios. Support

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and media to advance social equity. Learn more about their mission and initiatives at

voqal.org. Crash Course was made with the help of all of these supreme court justices.

Thanks for watching.