OVERVIEW OF THE FEDERAL COURT SYSTEM

1. What is the structure of the Federal Court System? Include the three levels of courts and their names.
2. What is the jurisdiction of the Federal Court System? If you want to start a court case in the federal system, what requirements do you have to meet in terms of money or subject matter?

THE US SUPREME COURT

1. What document authorizes us to have a Supreme Court? Where and when did the first US Supreme Court first meet?
2. Who was the First Chief Justice? Who is the current Chief Justice? What does the Chief Justice do that is different than the other Justices?
3. What is the term of the US Supreme Court (What day does the term start on?)
4. If you visited the Supreme Court while they were in session, what would a typical session look like? (what does a typical day in the Supreme Court look like?)
5. Explain the caseload of the US Supreme Court. How many cases are submitted to the court? How many do they actually listen to and decide on?
6. Who are the current justices of the US Supreme Court?
7. Give a short biography of one of the Justices. Include where they went to Law School, what President appointed them, and how long they have been on the Supreme Court.
8. Give a short description of one historical Supreme Court case of interest. What were the facts of the case and what was the court's decision?
9. Give a short description of one current Supreme Court case of interest. What are the facts of the case?

 THE US COURTS OF APPEALS

1. How are the Federal Appeals Courts organized? How many are there and what are they named?
2. If a Massachusetts resident had a case at this level, which of the Federal Appeals Courts would it be in? What courthouse in Massachusetts would I go to for this case?
3. Do witnesses testify in the Federal Appeals Court? If not, what evidence is heard by the Judge(s)?

 THE US DISTRICT COURTS

1. How are the Federal trial courts organized? What are they named? How many Federal Trial Courts are there in Massachusetts and where are they?
2. Is testimonial evidence presented in this court? If yes, what types of evidence are allowed?
3. Jury Duty - what are the qualifications to serve as a juror in the FEDERAL system? Who is exempt from serving as a juror in the FEDERAL system?

 STATE COURT SYSTEM

1. What is the structure of the Massachusetts court system? Include the levels of courts and their names.
2. If a juvenile is arrested in Massachusetts, what court will his case be heard in...federal or state? Why?
3. If a person files for bankruptcy in Massachusetts, what court will his case be heard in....federal or state? Why?