| Federal Court System Overview |
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| 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... |
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| The Role of the Appellate Court's Legal Staff |
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| The legal staff of an appellate court include the clerks of court, short-term law clerks, career law clerks, and staff attorneys.
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| Pro Bono Legal Services |
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| Many people cannot afford to hire an attorney to help them with their legal problems. State and federal programs, such as Legal Aid and Legal Services, provide pro bono or free legal services. Bar associations, law schools, and non-profit groups also provide free or low-cost legal assistance to those who could not otherwise afford an attorney because they have limited financial means. More... |
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| The United States Supreme Court and Judicial Review |
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| The United States Constitution establishes three branches of government--the executive, the legislative, and the judicial. The executive branch, headed by the President of the United States, carries out, executes, and administers the law. The United States Congress, the legislative branch of government, makes or enacts the law. The judicial branch, headed by the United States Supreme Court, interprets laws and resolves disputes that arise under the laws. More... |
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| Criminal Cases |
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| A criminal case begins when the prosecutor files criminal charges against a person, a person is arrested, or the grand jury returns an indictment against a person. Criminal offenses are either misdemeanors or felonies. A misdemeanor is a crime that is punishable by jail time of up to one year. A felony is a more serious crime, which is punishable by prison time of more than one year.More... |
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