Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Judiciary refers to the system of courts in a country or state that is responsible for interpreting laws and making sure justice is served. In the United States, the federal judiciary was established by Article III, while each state has its own judiciary. California, for example, has a Supreme Court, Courts of Appeal, and Superior Courts. The Supreme Court is the highest court, the Courts of Appeal are in the middle, and the Superior Courts are the trial courts.
Judiciary
Judiciary refers to the system of courts in a jurisdiction that is responsible for interpreting laws and administering justice. The federal judiciary was established by Article III, while states have their own judiciary systems. For example, California's judiciary is created by Article 6 of its constitution and includes a Supreme Court, Courts of Appeal, and Superior Courts.
When someone breaks the law, they may be brought to court to face trial. The judiciary is responsible for making sure that the trial is fair and that justice is served. For example, if someone is accused of stealing, the judiciary will hear evidence from both sides and decide whether the person is guilty or not guilty.
In California, the Supreme Court is the highest-level appellate court. This means that if someone disagrees with a decision made by a lower court, they can appeal to the Supreme Court to have the decision reviewed. The Courts of Appeal are intermediary appellate courts, which means that they hear appeals from the trial courts and decide whether the lower court made the right decision. The Superior Courts are the trial courts of general jurisdiction, which means that they hear a wide range of cases, including criminal and civil cases.
These examples illustrate how the judiciary is responsible for interpreting laws and administering justice. The courts hear evidence from both sides and make decisions based on the law and the facts of the case. The different levels of courts ensure that decisions can be reviewed and appealed if necessary, which helps to ensure that justice is served.