...Historical Development of the U.S Court Systems CJA/490 University of Phoenix When the English were colonizing North America, they brought with them their laws. Being from the British Common Law system, the settlers understood how that system worked, so they modeled their own government using Common Law. In the 18th century, when the Union was formed and the colonies became states, they kept their Common Law governments. However, the Articles of Confederation set forth to establish one supreme court, being the federal court. Article III of the U.S. Constitution states: 'The judicial Power of the United States shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish.' As a result of the Constitution and the forming of the Federal Court, the powers were divided between the state and central government. There are fifty-one separate systems of courts, one for each state and another for the federal government. Hence the term “dual court system”. The federal court system includes: the U.S. Supreme Court; the U.S. courts of appeal; the U.S. district court; and courts of special jurisdiction. The U.S. Supreme Court, established in 1789, is the highest judicial body and final court of appeal in the United States. Its nine members include one chief justice and eight associate justices who are appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. The...
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...major historical developments of the U.S. courts began in the colonial days. Since then the American courts have taken their own path, and have evolved in order to better suit the social needs of today’s America. Presently, there are two judicial systems. The first one is the state and local courts established under the authority of state governments. The second is the Federal courts system created by Congress under the authority of the U.S. Constitution. Development of the American Courts The origins and foundations of American courts like other social, legal and cultural habits in America descended from Great Britain. The court system in American colonies resolved civil and criminal disputes. However, the court systems within each colony were not exactly the same. The Massachusetts Bay Colony had a General Court that created laws, conducted trials and imposed sentences. Later, county courts were created and the General Court was used for appeal hearings and for some cases that involved serious crimes. The colony in Pennsylvania allowed offenders to be their own lawyers and to plead their cases to a justice of the peace. Ultimately all American colonies had functioning court systems but they were not uniform. After the American Revolution, colonial court systems became state courts; and like colonial court systems, state courts were not uniform. Appellate jurisdiction which is the lawful authority of a court to review a decision made by a lower court existed however,...
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...Historical Development Response Christina Najar CJS/200 William Patton 05/18/2012 Historical Development Response In the United States people have held individuals accountable for their actions throughout history. It may have been by hanging individuals that were found guilty or some other type of punishment for the crime that seemed suitable for their actions. In today’s society the justice system does not condone to hangings and blood baths, the justice system today relies on a dual court system, the state court and the federal court. These courts decide guilt or innocence and impose sentences on the convicted. There are different levels in the United States court system and they all dispense justice and help ensure that officials in the justice system work within the law when carrying out their duties (Schmalleger, 2011). The dual court system is a result of a general agreement among the nation’s founders about the need for individual states to retain significant legislative authority and judicial autonomy separate from federal control (Schmalleger, 2011). The original American colonies each had its own system for resolving disputes. In 1629, Massachusetts Bay Colony created a General court, a governor, deputy, 18 assistants and 118 elected officials. The laws were made by legislature and the court. As the colonies grew throughout time so did the court system and by 1776 the colonies established a full functioning court system. The state court systems developed...
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...History of the U.S. Criminal Court System CJA/491 Amy Miller 5-27-2013 Professor Angela Bradrick Introduction This paper will examine the historic development of the American courts. It will define common law heritage and discuss the evolution of American law. It will also discuss, compare, and contrast the evolution of the United States courts, including state vs. federal, and trial vs. appellate courts. Common Law Heritage and the Evolution of American Law Back in the time of medieval England, common law heritage was established. Because of the unwritten laws of this time, judges used customs and societal norms to determine what laws were sufficient for what crimes. These were considered judge made laws. Judges would decide cases by using past rulings and sentencing to determine current similar cases; this was called stare decisis (Meyer & Grant, 2003). It was important for judges to use this procedure, making it a less difficult to prosecute each case independently. According to Meyer and Grant (2003), common law was un-codified, meaning these were unwritten laws. As stated earlier, judges used previous verdicts to identify what forms of prosecution and sentencing of law-breaking acts would be implemented in current cases. Codified laws, or written laws were also defined by pre-existing customs, but they were written statutes in which society could familiarize with and recognize as a law. The changes came about, when the common laws were codified...
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...Court History and Purpose Paper David Kinlock CJA/224-Introduction to Criminal Courts Systems July 13,2015 Professor Austin Zimmer Court History and Purpose Paper The court is an intricate part of the American criminal justice system because they decide what happens to people charged with violating the law. This paper will describe what a court is and its purpose; define the dual court system, describe the role that the early legal codes, the common law, and precedent played in the development of courts. Finally, I will identify the roles of the court in the criminal justice system today. Court is a place where justice is administered; a judicial tribunal duly constituted for hearing and determination of cases; a session of judicial assembly. According to the U.S. Justice Department court is defined as “an agency or unit of the judicial branch of government authorized or established by statute or constitution, and consisting of one or more judicial officers, which has the authority to decide upon cases, controversies in law, and disputed matters of fact brought before it.” There are two divisions of the American court system- civil and criminal courts. Civil court is a court of law in which civil cases between private parties are tried and determined. Criminal courts has jurisdiction to try and punish offenders against criminal law. The purpose of the court is to provide a forum to resolve disputes and to enforce laws in a fair and rational manner...
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...legal system. They have been successful in this agenda with the assistance of the powerful Department of Justice, their numerous government agencies, as well as with the influence of American economic and humanitarian programs, among others. This paper will try to explain the United States’ power and influence of the global legal system, through practices such as transgovernmentalism and positive comity as well as by such bodies as the United States Supreme Court, the Department of Justice, the State Department, and the U.S. Agency for International Development. Also investigated is the United States’ role with international bodies such as the International Criminal Court, an organization that America disagrees with and has refused to join. Some questions however remain; through its global programs and supremacy, has the United States been affected by foreign influence? Has the United States tried to stave off such attempts by nations and organizations abroad? Groups such as the International Criminal Court and non-governmental organizations, as well as foreign countries certainly have the potential to influence American legal policy. Can their present weakness upon the United States...
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...University of Phoenix Material Court System Visuals The court system in the United States has a long history. The court system influenced the structure of the courts today and the roles of the major participants in the court process. For this assignment, create visuals to illustrate various aspects of the court system and process. Be creative with the visuals—you may create tables, matrices, diagrams, graphics, images, or any other types of visuals you would like. Each of the visuals may vary in style as well. Format any information, images, or graphics used from outside sources in the visuals consistent with APA guidelines. Select and complete one of the following assignments: Option 1: Court System Visuals Collection Option 2: Court System Presentation Option 3: Court System Handout Option 1: Court System Visuals Collection Create a collection of 4 to 6 visuals, such as diagrams, images, or matrices that illustrate and explain the following topics: • Major historical developments of the U.S. courts. • Dual court system of the United States • Steps of the pretrial process • Six steps necessary for appeal • Five philosophical reasons for sentencing criminals • Six forms of punishment Address all of the topics fully in your collection. You may combine topics in the visuals if they are associated. Option 2: Court System Presentation Create a 8- to 10-slide Microsoft® PowerPoint® presentation...
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...LONDON et al. II. CITATION: 545 U.S. 469 (2005) III. FACTS: The city of New London, Connecticut, after the closing of the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, reactivated the New London Development Corporation (NLDC), a non-profit entity for land development in the city, specifically the Fort Trumbull area vacated by the U.S. Navy. Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, Inc. expressed an interest in locating a research and production facility in the area. The city advised the NLDC to move forward with its plans. Over 90 acres of property were purchased and acquired through eminent domain for the development of residential housing, recreational, marina, retail and industrial parcels. Of the 90 acres, thirty-two of the acres came from Fort Trumbull and the remainder from private owners. All private owners, except 15, sold to the city for the project. The remaining 15 held out not for money, but for emotional and sentimental reasons. The Supreme Court of Connecticut ruled in favor of the taking of the private property under eminent domain. The United States Supreme Court granted certiorari and grouped all 15 cases in one appeal. IV. LEGAL ISSUES: Is the use of eminent domain to acquire property by the government and redirect for private use repugnant to the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution which reads “…nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation”? Is the taking of property from A and giving it to B for economic development a “public use” under the Fifth...
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...No. 15-1972 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES Spring Term, 2015 ________________________________ GEORGE E. SCHAEFER, III, in his official capacity as the Clerk of Court for Norfolk Circuit Court and JANET M. RAINEY, in her official capacity as State Registrar of Vital Records, Petitioners, MICHÈLE MCQUIGG, Intervenor/Petitioner, v. TIMOTHY B. BOSTIC; TONY C. LONDON; CAROL SCHALL; and MARY TOWNLEY, Respondents. ________________________________ ON WRIT OF CERTIORARI TO THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE FOURTH CIRCUIT ________________________________ BRIEF FOR THE RESPONDENTS ________________________________ Law Student Counsel for the Respondents QUESTION PRESENTED Whether Virginia’s Marriage Laws, which prohibit same-sex couples from marrying or entering a civil partnership in Virginia or in any other jurisdiction, violate the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment when: * Virginia’s constitution limits marriage to one man and one woman; * Virginia’s code prohibits same-sex marriages or civil unions; and * Virginia’s code refuses to recognize same-sex marriages or civil unions lawfully consummated in other jurisdictions. TABLE OF CONTENTS page QUESTION PRESENTED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i TABLE OF CONTENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...
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...INTRODUCTION In the United States, there are two separate court systems: State and Federal. The two court systems were made to keep State and Federal matters separate. Under the State court, legislatures were able to generate a variety of laws. The following will review on how the two different systems came, and how the systems relate to today. Two branches are equally important, and the following is going to mention about how both the State and Federal Courts interact with one another. HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF STATE COURTS A State court will differ from all 50 states. If one were to look at the capitols of each state, there of course is a state court in each one. All were made at different times, therefore making each state different from one another. At the start of the 13 colonies, the head of the state was not voted on (as voting was not created yet), but merely decided upon by the king. However, the three key branches of the court system were not decided yet since the governor had control and power. At the first level of the courts, which is called a magistrate (Schmalleger, 2009)? The head of the colony is the person who decides who fills this position. Following was the majority of trial cases. Lastly was the third court level, having a case that the courts appeal, with the head of the state and the members that he had chosen were the ones that heard the case which the Grand Jury was brought in at this time (Carp & Stidham, 2001). As centuries...
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...SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES Brown v. Board of Education, 347 U.S. 483 (1954) (USSC+) 347 U.S. 483 Argued December 9, 1952 Reargued December 8, 1953 Decided May 17, 1954 APPEAL FROM THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF KANSAS* Syllabus Segregation of white and Negro children in the public schools of a State solely on the basis of race, pursuant to state laws permitting or requiring such segregation, denies to Negro children the equal protection of the laws guaranteed by the Fourteenth Amendment -- even though the physical facilities and other "tangible" factors of white and Negro schools may be equal. (a) The history of the Fourteenth Amendment is inconclusive as to its intended effect on public education. (b) The question presented in these cases must be determined not on the basis of conditions existing when the Fourteenth Amendment was adopted, but in the light of the full development of public education and its present place in American life throughout the Nation. (c) Where a State has undertaken to provide an opportunity for an education in its public schools, such an opportunity is a right which must be made available to all on equal terms. (d) Segregation of children in public schools solely on the basis of race deprives children of the minority group of equal educational opportunities, even though the physical facilities and other "tangible" factors may be equal. (e) The "separate but equal" doctrine adopted in Plessy v. Ferguson, 163 U.S. 537,...
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...1. Louisiana Purchase from France helped double United States territory which increased the power of presidency and the central government. Louisiana Purchase also gave American citizen more nation for nationalism. With the control of Mississippi River, American were able to increase their trading and exploration to the west increased. 2. Embargo Act forced American to focus on the promotion of domestic trade and profit. With the restriction in trade, it helped American realize in time of struggle, people had to unite in order to unite and grow from experience. As a result, Embargo Act was the beginning of the development of American nation and its culture. 3. War of 1812 was the final war from breaking away from British control, the second...
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...Court History and Purpose CJA/224 July 7, 2014 Court History and Purpose Court history and its purpose have been on a long and tedious journey through the Centuries. Court history has seen numerous changes along the way, good bad and indifferent. Although the road has been rough throughout the journey, it has made tremendous change by leaps and bounds with the help of several landmarks highlighting the complexity. The literature reviews, illustrates and examines the following: 1. Describe a court and its purpose. 2. Define the dual court system. 3. Describe the role that legal codes, the common law, and precedent played in the development of courts. 4. Identify the role of courts in criminal justice today. A court is a forum designed to test, enforce and uphold the law in a fair and impartial manner. The courts purpose is to guard and uphold individual freedoms that all citizens have. Purposes and Responsibilities of Courts should never be confused with efficiency or even the constitutional means of the separation of powers, judicial independence, and the inherent powers of the courts. Courts exist to do justice, to guarantee liberty, to enhance social order, to resolve disputes, to maintain rule of law, to provide for equal protection, and to ensure due process of law. They exist so that the equality of individuals and the government is reality rather than empty rhetoric. (National Association for Court Management, 2013...
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...Right to Counsel Yolette T. Pepe Kaplan University Introduction to Law LS102-03 Prof Young February 15, 2011 Right to Counsel The root of all American laws are found in English law. In England, people who were charged with felonies had no right to hire a private attorney, though it was allowed sometimes in special circumstances. After the Glorious Revolution in 1688, Parliament passed a law allowing people accused of treason the right to be represented by an attorney at trial, but this right did not extend to any other classes of crime. (Find Law, 2010) All the way up until 1836, with the passage of the Prisoners' Counsel Act, this right was denied to people charged with nearly all serious crimes in England. The development of the common-law principle in England had denied to anyone charged with a felony the right to retain counsel, while the right was afforded in misdemeanor cases, a rule ameliorated in practice, however, by the judicial practice of allowing counsel to argue points of law and then generously interpreting the limits of ''legal questions.'' The colonial and early state practice in this country was varied, ranging from the existent English practice to appointment of counsel in a few States where needed counsel could not be retained. Historically, the right to counsel has meant the right to retained counsel; that is, if the defendant could afford a lawyer, he had the right to use one. (Lawyers.com, 2000) The poor defendant was denied this right. In early America...
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...Case Brief GM520, Legal, Political, and Ethical Dimensions of Business Style of Case and Citations Kelo v. City of New London 545 U.S. 469 (2005) Court Rendering Final Decision U.S. Supreme Court Identification of Parties and Procedural Details Susette Kelo and the other affected property owners (Plaintiff) filled a suit challenging New London's legal authority to take their homes in order to make room for Pfizer and the economic development plan. Discussion of the Facts The City of New London came up with a plan to redevelop an area in which they would develop a state park and other architecturally eclectic homes. Part of the deal included Pfizer corporation who would also put a research facility in the area. The development would match what Pfizer corporation was planning and would also increase revenue, create jobs, and promote the waterfront area. This would then be the start of a much needed revitalization of the rest of the city. The New London Development Corporation and other nonprofit corporations planned to bring in Pfizer with hopes of an economic boost. Statement and Discussion of the Legal Issues in Dispute Kelo and other residents are challenging the New London's legal authority in taking their homes. They are questioning if the property meets the requirements as public use within the means of the Taking Clause and the Fifth Amendment. New London's plan is to develop a 90-acre area on the waterfront near the Fort...
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