The judicial system is structured in a hierarchy, with courts ranked from lower to higher levels, each serving distinct roles. At the top, higher courts handle appeals and set precedents, while lower courts manage initial trials. Jurisdiction refers to the power a court has to hear and decide cases, which can be based on factors like location (territorial jurisdiction), subject matter (subject-matter jurisdiction), or the parties involved (personal jurisdiction). This system ensures cases are heard by the appropriate court, maintaining order and efficiency in legal proceedings.
- Legal cases are distributed across courts organized in a ranked hierarchy.
- Jurisdiction defines the authority of a court to hear certain cases, ensuring proper legal order.
Jurisdiction is the authority a court has to hear certain cases.
Original trials for local disputes usually start in lower courts.
Court Hierarchy
Higher courts primarily hear appeals and set precedents.
A superior court can review lower court decisions and its rulings serve as binding precedent.
Trial courts and local courts are typically at the bottom of the hierarchy.
Appellate courts review decisions made by lower courts and do not usually conduct new trials.
Top court rulings are binding on all lower courts and are considered the final interpretation of the law.
Lower courts are bound by precedent and cannot impose new legal principles; they must await higher court rulings.
To challenge a decision, an individual would typically appeal to the appellate court.
Court hierarchies generally follow this structure:
- Lower Courts (Trial Courts): Handle initial hearings and most common cases, such as minor criminal offenses and civil disputes.
- Intermediate Appellate Courts: Review appeals from lower courts to ensure legal procedures were correctly followed.
- Supreme Court (or Highest Court): Addresses final appeals and constitutional matters; its decisions are binding on all other courts.
Court hierarchies differ internationally, reflecting each country’s legal traditions and systems.
Only select cases, often involving significant legal questions, are accepted by the highest court.
Some countries also have specialized courts such as administrative and constitutional courts.
Courts hierarchies can be modified by new laws or constitutional changes.
Civil and criminal cases generally start in the lower courts.
Types of Jurisdiction
Subject-matter jurisdiction is the court's authority to handle particular kinds of cases, such as family law or criminal law.
Common types include subject-matter, personal, and territorial jurisdiction.
- Subject-matter jurisdiction: Power to hear specific types of cases (e.g., bankruptcy, family law).
- Personal jurisdiction: Authority over the parties involved in the case.
- Territorial jurisdiction: Authority within a specific geographic area.
Personal jurisdiction is based on factors like residency, involvement in the case, or consent.
If a court lacks jurisdiction, it cannot lawfully decide the case, leading to dismissal or transfer.
Application of Jurisdiction in Court Hierarchies
Divorce cases are usually first heard by a family court that has subject-matter jurisdiction.
The court must have subject-matter jurisdiction (civil law) and territorial jurisdiction (location of the dispute).
The appellate court exercises appellate jurisdiction, reviewing lower court decisions.
Federal courts handle cases with constitutional issues and certain cross-state disputes.
A court will decline jurisdiction if it doesn't have subject-matter, personal, or territorial jurisdiction.
Example:
- A trial court (lower court) with subject-matter jurisdiction over criminal law in a city (its territorial jurisdiction) would try a robbery case involving local residents (personal jurisdiction).
- If someone appeals the trial verdict, an appellate court reviews the case—using appellate jurisdiction—but doesn't retry the facts.
Original jurisdiction is for courts that hear a case first; appellate jurisdiction is for courts that review prior decisions.
Cases adjudicated without proper jurisdiction can be dismissed or overturned.
Jurisdiction can shift, such as when a court with original jurisdiction moves a case to a court with appellate jurisdiction.
Different countries may define and use jurisdiction differently based on their legal traditions.
Trial courts generally have original jurisdiction over cases they hear first.
Concurrent and Exclusive Jurisdiction
Exclusive jurisdiction means only a specific court can adjudicate the matter.
When courts have concurrent jurisdiction, the plaintiff usually selects the court, though the defendant may request a change.
Cases can sometimes be transferred between courts with concurrent jurisdiction.
| Jurisdiction Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Exclusive Jurisdiction | Only one court can hear the case | Federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction over bankruptcy cases |
| Concurrent Jurisdiction | More than one court can hear the case | Both federal and state courts can hear certain civil rights claims |
Example:
- A lawsuit over a federal employment discrimination claim may be filed in either a state or federal court due to concurrent jurisdiction.
- Only federal courts can hear bankruptcy cases because they have exclusive jurisdiction.
Conclusion
A clear understanding of court hierarchy and jurisdiction is essential for navigating the legal system and ensuring cases are heard by the appropriate court.
- Courts are organized in a hierarchy, from trial courts to appellate and supreme courts.
- Jurisdiction defines a court's authority to hear cases based on subject, location, or parties involved.
- Exclusive and concurrent jurisdiction determine which courts can hear specific cases and when.