Judicial documents are court orders used in common law systems, including the US, Canada, Australia, and India. They were once required to file a lawsuit, but now serve to enforce court rules and compel the movement of trials. Examples include arrest warrants, subpoenas, and writs of habeas corpus. Different types of judicial documents exist in […]
Common pleas courts in the United States handle civil cases at the state level and are in the minority, with only four states still operating them. They derive their structure from the English common law system and were originally designed to deal with disputes between citizens. The UK abolished its common appeals system in the […]
A student court is a group of students who act as the judicial branch of a student government organization. They investigate and punish their fellow students for policy violations and conflict resolution. The role of the student court varies depending on the policies established by the individual school. They can be seen at all levels […]
Administrative courts are established by governments or agencies to resolve disputes that are not part of the normal judicial system. They are less formal and have less stringent rules of proof. They are usually created to resolve disputes between individuals and government departments or agencies, and can be permanent or temporary. Administrative judges are usually […]
Court fees are charges associated with a lawsuit, including expenses for running the court and compensating jurors and witnesses. In some countries, the winner may receive compensation to offset costs. Attorney fees may also be part of court costs. In countries where losers have to pay court costs, they may fail to pay or be […]
Small claims court is used to sue for small amounts of money and exists in many countries. The maximum amount recoverable varies by state, typically around $5,000 USD. Matters can usually be resolved without a lawyer, and evidence should be collected and presented professionally in court. Small claims court is used to sue someone you […]
Tax court is a limited jurisdiction court that deals with tax matters. In the US, federal and state taxes are levied, and non-payment can result in fines, interest, and even jail time. The IRS enforces tax laws and can take individuals to court, where judges can garnish wages or seize assets. Tax courts exist in […]
A debtor who loses a lawsuit must pay damages ordered by the court or face legal penalties. Creditors can recover damages by force or negotiate payment plans. Failure to pay damages can result in liens on assets and a negative credit record. Bankruptcy is a last resort. A debtor is a person who has lost […]
Courts of original jurisdiction are the starting point for trials and judgments, with the power to hear cases and issue binding rulings. They are usually low-level courts, but can be appealed to higher courts. Different countries have different names for these courts, and the US has separate courts for different types of disputes. Appellate courts […]
An appellate court reviews decisions made by lower courts and decides whether the decision should be overturned. The losing party may appeal by submitting a written brief, often proving a legal error or jury violation. Appellate courts act as intermediaries between lower courts and the highest court. They determine whether the judge or jury made […]
A traffic tribunal deals with traffic law and may be housed separately from ordinary courts. Most cases involve routine matters, with penalties established by the state code. Offenders who are fined usually don’t have to appear in court unless they contest the charge. The most common interaction is paying fines. Serious cases, such as drunk […]
A referral examination occurs after cross-examination in a trial. The attorney who called the witness has the chance to clarify their testimony during a redirect. Witness coaching is legal, but perjury is not. After cross-examination, the original attorney can only ask questions about the cross-examination during the redirect. The redirect is an opportunity to re-establish […]
Court reporters document spoken word, including legal proceedings and meetings, using a stenotype machine. They must complete an academic program and pass a four-part exam to become certified. Technology has changed the profession, with many stenotype machines now linked to computers. Various certifications are available, depending on the area of interest. Court reporters compose verbal […]
Bloodhounds are the only dogs whose evidence is admissible in US courts due to their exceptional sense of smell, with 230 million olfactory receptors. German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois are also commonly used in law enforcement. Horses are used for crowd control. The bloodhound is the only breed of dog whose evidence is admissible in […]
Various committees and tribunals, both formal and informal, are used to arbitrate disputes between parties. These include church dioceses for religious matters, employment tribunals for workplace disputes, and community tax courts for property tax issues. Military and international courts may also establish tribunals to try cases of alleged criminal behavior. Religions, communities, and local governments […]
The competent court has the power to hear and judge cases based on their type and value. Different courts have jurisdiction over different types of cases. It is important to bring the case before the competent court. The defendant must challenge jurisdictional issues. Three factors to consider when deciding on jurisdiction are judicial power, type […]
Jurors must deliberate on evidence and reach a verdict in criminal or civil trials. Verdicts are based on facts, and judges decide penalties. Jurors must reach a verdict by majority or unanimity, and a hung jury may result in a mistrial. When a case goes to trial before a jury, it is the duty and […]
High courts are top-level courts in many justice systems, with a clearly delineated hierarchy. They may be superior, supreme or apical courts, and have narrow roles, mostly reserved for situations where lower courts feel unable to make a decision. High court judges are usually highly qualified and appointed following a nomination or joint decision. A […]
Judicial proceedings are court proceedings presided over by a judge, including criminal and civil cases. The judge enforces courtroom rules and may give instructions to the jury. Appeals allow higher courts to interpret laws and create judicial decrees that become law in common law countries. Judicial proceedings refer to any proceeding that takes place in […]
Domestic violence courts are specialized courts that deal exclusively with domestic violence cases. They have judges who handle a caseload composed almost entirely of domestic violence cases and offer social services to victims. These courts can handle cases quickly and cost-effectively, and provide counseling services to victims. The benefits of a domestic violence court extend […]
