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2: Courts and the Court System

  • Page ID
    151448
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    • 2.1: Introduction
      This page outlines the structure and importance of the U.S. court system for businesses and individuals, covering the roles of the three government branches, the balance of the judiciary, and the differences between trial and appellate courts.
    • 2.2: The Supreme Court
      This page provides an overview of the judicial branch of the U.S. government as defined by the Constitution, focusing on its structure, functions, and historical context. It discusses the role of the Supreme Court, including the introduction of judicial review.
    • 2.3: Guardians of the Constitution - Competing Judicial Philosophies
      This page examines two judicial philosophies: strict constructionism, which favors original interpretations of the Constitution, and judicial activism, which supports a living Constitution that adapts to societal changes.
    • 2.4: Trial and Appellate Courts
      This page explores the U.S. court systems, distinguishing between state and federal courts while addressing subject matter jurisdiction and procedural variations in civil and criminal law. It emphasizes the hierarchy of courts, the rarity of successful appeals due to trial court deference, and how state constitutions may grant broader rights than federal law.
    • 2.5: Introduction to Alternative Dispute Resolution
      This page introduces alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods, outlining their pros and cons relative to litigation. It covers techniques such as negotiation, mediation, and arbitration, noting their advantages in cost, time, and privacy.
    • 2.6: Negotiation
      This page examines negotiation as a key form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in business, outlining its strengths like speed and cost-efficiency, along with weaknesses such as lack of formal rules and power imbalances.
    • 2.7: Mediation
      This page discusses mediation as an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) method that allows parties to control outcomes with a neutral mediator. It is confidential, quicker, and generally cheaper than litigation, aiming for mutually acceptable resolutions.
    • 2.8: Arbitration
      This page reviews arbitration as an alternative dispute resolution method, detailing its processes, benefits, and drawbacks, particularly regarding fairness issues due to power imbalances between consumers and corporations.
    • 2.9: Inside the Courtroom - Procedures and Practice
      This page offers an overview of the U.S. litigation system, detailing the roles of involved parties, standing, personal jurisdiction, and the trial process, including appeals.
    • 2.10: The Parties Involved
      This page examines the litigation system, focusing on the roles of plaintiffs, defendants, and attorneys, while highlighting the importance of legal representation and ethical responsibilities.
    • 2.11: Standing and Personal Jurisdiction
      This page explores the concepts of legal standing and personal jurisdiction in litigation. It emphasizes that plaintiffs must show a real stake in the lawsuit and prove they are the right parties to bring the case, which can include non-monetary injuries.
    • 2.12: Pretrial Procedures
      This page covers pretrial procedures in civil litigation, focusing on essential steps like pleadings, discovery, and motions. It details the importance of the complaint, the defendant's response, and class-action lawsuits.
    • 2.13: The Trial and Appeal
      This page provides an overview of the civil trial process, detailing jury selection through voir dire, trial progression including witness examinations and closing arguments, and the differing burdens of proof.


    This page titled 2: Courts and the Court System is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Terri Brown via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform.