A court hearing involves a judge, opposing party, and court etiquette. Expectations vary depending on location and purpose. Multiple hearings may be scheduled, and behavior must follow the judge’s commands. A verdict is not typically given, but issues and information can be addressed. Civil cases may determine future court appearances and encourage early settlement. If […]
The federal court system in the US oversees matters related to the Constitution and federal laws, while state courts handle state laws. The system consists of three tiers: district courts, court of appeals, and the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court has the power of judicial review and can strike down unconstitutional legislation or actions. Federal […]
Contempt of court is a serious accusation for disrupting the justice process, resulting in fines and jail time. Civil contempt can be eliminated by obeying an order, while criminal contempt hampers court operations. Direct and indirect contempt require knowledge of the violated order and ability to comply. Respectful behavior in court is crucial to avoid […]
The Warren Court, led by Justice Earl Warren, was known for its focus on personal rights and ethical values, making groundbreaking decisions in civil rights and liberties. Despite criticism at the time, many of these decisions are now widely accepted and integrated into American society. The term “Warren Court” is often used to describe the […]
An arraignment hearing is when charges are read to a defendant and they can object to them. It may result in a sentence or trial date, and bail conditions may be set. A trial hearing is important and failure to attend may result in fines. Defendants have the right to know the charges against them […]
A court register is a list of pending cases, often publicly available, but difficult to access. Historically, court clerks kept ledgers, but now electronic systems are more common. Filing fees and case-related documents are required to enter the register. Online databases provide registration information, but contacting the court clerk directly may be necessary for specific […]
International criminal courts are established to prosecute international crimes, often arising from a specific situation. The International Criminal Court (ICC) is a general court created to prosecute various human rights crimes. Countries can become members of the ICC through the signing and ratification of the Rome Statute. Temporary criminal courts are also established to prosecute […]
A judicial system consists of a hierarchical range of courts, with the supreme court at the top. Lower courts have specific relationships with those above them. In the US, lower courts may refer to trial courts or appellate courts, and in Canada, it is usually the provincial or territorial court. The authority of appellate courts […]
Disobeying a court order can result in fines, jail time, or a warrant. Court orders can compel action or prohibit it. Violations may result in fines or interest payments. Failure to appear in court can result in a subpoena or arrest warrant. Jail time may be imposed for disrespecting the court or causing a stoppage. […]
A tax court petition is filed by a taxpayer disputing a claim by the IRS after an audit. It must be filed within 90 days of receiving a “Notice of Deficiency”. The US Tax Court offers two options for seeking legal relief, a small lawsuit and a tax trial. The court also handles cases in […]
Examining a judgment debtor is a legal process to compel debtors to disclose their assets, allowing creditors to identify assets to seize to satisfy a debt. This process varies by jurisdiction and can be done in court or by mail. Once completed, creditors can review the information to decide the best course of action to […]
Appellate courts review decisions made by lower courts and issue new decisions. The appeals system allows people to potentially petition a number of appellate courts. Different appellate courts function differently, depending on the laws of their nations. Appellate decisions are used as the legal basis for arguments in future cases. They are typically meticulously written, […]
A court stenographer transcribes testimony in court and other proceedings using shorthand machines or voice mask signaling. They rely on audio and video recordings to authenticate their transcripts and may require certification. They are valuable for real-time reporting and can be questioned by judges and attorneys. A court stenographer is a person who transcribes testimony […]
The World Court in the Netherlands settles disputes between nations and hears criminal cases. It was established in 1946 and has 15 judges appointed by the UN. The court has resolved cases involving international treaties, environmental law, and war crimes, but member countries are not necessarily bound by court decisions. The current seat is in […]
A court must have the authority to hear a case, granted by statute, constitution, or political leader. Personal jurisdiction is established when a plaintiff or defendant has a connection to the court’s territory. Jurisdiction can be divided into appellate and original, and courts can have concurrent jurisdiction. Special courts are authorized to hear specific cases, […]
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the UN’s judicial organ, established in 1945 to settle disputes and provide advisory opinions. The ICJ operates from The Hague and has 15 judges who serve for nine years. Its effectiveness is limited by the veto power of the UN Security Council, and its judgments rely on a […]
A court officer is not just a lawyer or judge, but also includes bailiffs, court clerks, and justices of the peace. They can be divided into three categories: court, investigation, and service. To become a court officer, legal or judicial training is required. The purpose of this general term is to indicate that everyone involved […]
A court administrator manages the budget, staff, and procedures of a court system, ensuring efficiency and timely case flow. They may also handle HR operations and create new policies to improve efficiency. A degree in judicial administration, law, or business is often required. A court administrator handles the managerial functions of a court system, such […]
The federal court jury is responsible for making legally binding decisions in federal court cases. The right to a jury trial is guaranteed by the Constitution, and cases heard in federal court arise from federal matters. Jurors must be over 18 and not convicted felons. A federal court jury is a group of men and […]
County courthouse staff handle administrative activities, such as processing legal documents and scheduling appointments. A high school diploma is typically required, along with good interpersonal and administrative skills. Advancement opportunities depend on experience and education. County courthouse staff are important to the day to day activities of the county courtroom. Typically, county courthouse staff are […]
