Chapter 16, Student Web Activities, Civics Today: Citizenship, Economics, & You, Glencoe, 2003

Social Studies, Civics Today: Citizenship, Economics, & You

Chapter 16: Civil and Criminal Law
“Court Systems”

Introduction
In this chapter you have read about civil and criminal cases. Sometimes these cases reach a trial court where guilt or innocence may be determined. Depending on the jurisdiction, it will be either a state or a federal court. Each state has its own court system. In this activity you will take a closer look at the organization and role of the court system.

Destination Title: Judicial Branch Resources for Students

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Directions
Start at the Judicial Branch Resources Web site.

Click on State and Federal Court Structures.

After reading through this page and studying the diagram, answer the following questions.

1. What percent of court cases do state courts handle?

2. What is the difference between a trial court and an appellate court?

3. What percent of civil and criminal cases actually go to trial? Why?

4. Describe the proceedings in an appellate court.

5. Create a mobile that shows the different levels of federal and state courts. For the state court system use information about your own state courts, or the information on the Iowa courts found on this Web site.