| Federal Court System Overview |
| The federal court system consists of federal trial courts and two levels of federal appellate courts--courts of appeals and the Supreme Court of the United States. More... |
| Problem-Solving Courts |
| Problem-solving courts were developed to handle recurring cases, especially in the areas of domestic violence, drug-related offenses, and crimes involving mentally ill or mentally disabled individuals. Problem-solving courts use a therapeutic justice model, emphasizing treatment of the underlying problem. They seek tangible results for victims, for offenders and for the general public. They coordinate with public agencies and community organizations to offer treatment as an alternative to incarceration.More... |
| Damages in Civil Litigation |
| If a person experiences a wrong, injury, or loss due to the actions of another, the injured person may file a civil lawsuit against the offending party. If the injured person proves his/her case, the court will award damages. Damages mean a monetary award to the injured person. This article discusses the various types of damages available in civil lawsuits.More... |
| The Unique Challenges Facing Rural Courts |
| More than three-quarters of state trial courts are located in rural U.S. counties. Generally, courthouses that have no more than four judges are considered to be rural courts. Some rural areas have only visiting judges, who hear cases in the area at regularly scheduled intervals. Rural courts are fundamentally different from urban courts and face unique challenges. This article discusses some of those challenges, including geography, funding, training, technology, and lack of services. More... |
| The Jury in a Civil Lawsuit |
| There is a constitutional right to a jury trial in certain types of civil cases. The jury in a civil lawsuit usually contains 6 to 12 people. More... |
