Unit V THE COURT SYSTEM OF THE USA TASK I. Examine the chart and read the text
The
Organization of the Federal Courts Today
The American court system is complex. It functions as part of the federal
system of government. Each state runs its own court system, and no two are
identical. In addition, we/have a system of courts for the national
government. These federal courts coexist with the state courts.
Individuals fall under the jurisdiction of two different court systems,
their state courts and federal courts. They can sue or be sued in either
system, depending mostly on what their case is about. The vast majority of
cases are resolved in the state courts.
The federal courts are organized in three tiers, like a pyramid. At the
bottom of the pyramid are the US district courts, where litigation begins. In
the middle are the US courts of appeals. At the top is the US Supreme Court.
To appeal means to take a case to a higher court. The courts of appeals and
the Supreme Court are appellate courts, with few exceptions, they review cases
that have been decided in lower courts. Most federal courts hear and decide a
wide array of cases; the judges in these courts are known as
generalists.
TASK 2. Find in the text the English equivalents
for the words below
сосуществовать;
частные лица;
суды штатов;
подать иск;
федеральные суды;
подавляющее большинство;
подпадать под юрисдикцию;
разрешить дело в судебном порядке;
ярус;
Верховный суд;
судебное разбирательство, тяжба;
окружные суды;
высшие суды;
апелляционные суды;
исключение;
низшие суды;
суд последней инстанции;
рассматривать дело.
TASK 3. Answer the questions
Who is responsible for making laws in the US?
Name American courts in the descending order.
In what way are the federal courts organized?
Where does litigation begin?
What does the word "to appeal" mean?
Київський університет права.
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