Identify the organizational structure and responsibilities of federal, state, and local courts.

Identification should include

• the definition of courts of original jurisdiction, courts of limited jurisdiction, and appellate courts
• the structure of courts at each level of government in Virginia
• the primary responsibilities of each court
• examples of cases that are heard at separate levels of the system of appeals.

Process/Skill Questions:

• Why does the United States have both a state court system and a federal court system?
• What is the function of the appellate courts in the court system? What do they ensure?
• What was the purpose for the development of the Virginia Court of Appeals?
• When is a case heard in General District Court? Circuit Court? U.S. District Court?
• What cases does a state supreme court hear?
• What is the process before a case is heard by the U.S. Supreme Court?
• How do judges become judges?