Title: Identify the organizational structure and responsibilities of federal, state, and local courts.
Course: Public Safety I (15101-I) > Section: CRIMINAL JUSTICE: Exploring the Courts

Identification should include

- the definition of courts of original jurisdiction, courts of limited jurisdiction, and appellate courts
- the structure of courts at each level of government in Virginia
- the primary responsibilities of each court
- examples of cases that are heard at separate levels of the system of appeals.

Process/Skill Questions:

- Why does the United States have both a state court system and a federal court system?
- What is the function of the appellate courts in the court system? What do they ensure?
- What was the purpose for the development of the Virginia Court of Appeals?
- When is a case heard in General District Court? Circuit Court? U.S. District Court?
- What cases does a state supreme court hear?
- What is the process before a case is heard by the U.S. Supreme Court?
- How do judges become judges?