Distinguishing Features of the Major Court Systems
Katie Van Alstine
University of Phoenix

Distinguishing Features of the Major Court Systems There are two kinds of courts in the United Stated – state courts and federal courts. Each one possesses their own distinguishing features. We will look at the key players at each level as well as jurisdictional rules, interpretation issues as well as the effect of evolving technology on court proceedings at each level. State courts are established by each individual state and within the state there being local courts that are established by cities, counties, and other municipalities. Federal courts, however, are established under the US Constitution and their main focus is to decide disputes involving the Constitution and the laws that have been passed by Congress. Each level of the court system has key players that include but are not limited to the judge, prosecutor, defense attorney and jury. At the state level, both the judge and the prosecutor are elected officials. These individuals are elected for an eight year term by the majority vote of both houses in the General Assembly. For example in the case of Commonwealth of VA vs. George Huguely V, the presiding judge was Honorable Edward L. Hogshire, Judge and the Commonwealth’s Attorney was Warner D. Chapman. Federal judges such as the Supreme Court justices, court of appeals judges and district court judges are all nominated by the President and confirmed by the United States Senate as stated in the US Constitution. These officials are typically of the President’s political party and appointed for life long terms. Jurisdiction is different for each level of the court system. Jurisdiction simply means the kinds of cases a court is authorized to hear. Jurisdiction for state courts is broader and their cases generally involve individual citizens that