The United States has two types of courts—federal and state—which may seem similar at first, but they have different jurisdictions and responsibilities.
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Federal Courts were established under the U.S. Constitution to settle disputes involving the Constitution and laws passed by Congress. Federal courts have limited jurisdiction, which means they can only hear certain types of cases.
On the other hand, State Courts are established by a state’s constitution and laws. They have general jurisdiction, which means they can hear any case not specifically reserved for federal courts.
Case Types in Federal and State Courts
The types of cases heard by these courts significantly differ, varying depending on whether the court is federal or state. To delve deeper into this, federal courts primarily focus on hearing several distinct types of cases.
Firstly, federal courts preside over cases that involve federal laws or the U.S. Constitution. In other words, these cases touch upon legislation passed by the U.S. Congress or disputes relating to the interpretation or application of the U.S. Constitution, representing the very backbone of the country’s legal framework. For this reason, these courts are the most important for the student of procedural law.
Secondly, federal courts handle cases involving foreign governments and treaties. Such cases can span a wide array of topics, from diplomatic disputes to commercial agreements, and often have far-reaching implications affecting international relations and global policies.
Thirdly, they take care of cases that involve certain areas of admiralty and maritime law. These types of cases often pertain to incidents or contracts at sea, including shipping disputes, piracy cases, and maritime accidents, to name a few.
Lastly, federal courts are also responsible for bankruptcy cases. This involves situations where individuals or corporations are unable to pay their debts and must go through a process to either eliminate or repay them under the protection of the federal bankruptcy court.
In contrast to federal courts, state courts handle a much wider variety of cases.
Primarily, state courts preside over criminal matters. These encompass a range of offenses, from minor infractions to serious crimes such as robbery, assault, or murder, that violate the laws of the state in which they were committed.
Next, state courts also handle family law cases. This includes cases like divorces, child custody disputes, and other family-related legal issues. These cases often involve decisions that profoundly affect the personal lives of the individuals involved.
Additionally, state courts deal with estate and probate matters. These involve the administration of an individual’s estate after their death, which can include the distribution of assets, settling debts, and managing any related disputes.
Furthermore, they also handle personal injury cases. These cases usually involve individuals who have suffered injuries due to the actions or negligence of others and are seeking compensation for their pain, suffering, and related expenses.
Finally, state courts are also involved in resolving landlord/tenant disputes. These can stem from issues such as non-payment of rent, property damage, or eviction proceedings, among other things. These cases are essential as they often touch upon the fundamental need for housing and the rights and responsibilities that come with it.
Judges in Federal and State Courts
The selection process for judges also varies between federal and state courts. Federal judges are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. They hold their positions for life, which ensures their ability to make decisions free of political pressure.
State court judges, on the other hand, are selected in a variety of ways, depending on the state. Some are appointed, while others are elected. Their terms vary and are not for life.
Summary
The U.S. legal system is split between federal and state courts, each with its unique jurisdiction, types of cases, and judges’ appointment procedures. Federal courts handle cases involving federal laws and the Constitution, while state courts manage a wider range of legal disputes, including criminal matters and family law. Judges in federal courts are appointed for life, whereas state court judges’ appointment and term lengths vary by state. A comprehensive understanding of these differences is vital in the study of U.S. procedural law.
Modification History File Created: 08/07/2018 Last Modified: 07/10/2023
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