Criminal Court System Presentation

• Federalist Papers:
  • Federalist No. 78: The role of the judiciary as the "least dangerous branch."

Slide 5: The Dual Court System

• Federal Courts:
  • Jurisdiction over federal laws and constitutional issues.
  • Structure: District courts, circuit courts of appeal, and the Supreme Court.
• State Courts:
  • Jurisdiction over state laws.
  • Structure: Trial courts, appellate courts, and state supreme courts.

Slide 6: The Evolution of Jury Trials

• Historical Significance:
  • Trial by jury in medieval England.
  • The right to a jury trial in the U.S. Constitution.
• Jury Selection:
  • Voir dire process.
  • Challenges for cause and peremptory challenges.

Slide 7: Bench Trials vs. Jury Trials

• Bench Trials:
  • Judge as the sole fact-finder.
  • Faster and less expensive.
• Jury Trials:
  • Jury as the fact-finder.
  • Ensures public participation in the justice system.

Slide 8: Your Local Court Structure

• [State or Federal] Court System
• Trial Courts:
  • Jurisdiction over various types of cases.
  • Role of judges and prosecutors.
• Appellate Courts:
  • Review decisions of lower courts.
  • Panel of judges.

Slide 9: How Juries Work in Your Local Jurisdiction

• Jury Selection Process:
  • Random selection from voter registration lists.
  • Questionnaire and voir dire.
• Jury Deliberations:
  • Instructions from the judge.
  • Reaching a verdict.

Slide 10: The Appellate Court Structure

• State Appellate Courts:
  • Intermediate appellate courts.
  • State supreme court.
• Federal Appellate Courts:
  • Circuit courts of appeal.
  • Supreme Court.

Additional Tips for Your Presentation:

• Use clear and concise language, avoiding legal jargon.
• Use visuals (charts, diagrams, images) to enhance understanding.
• Practice your presentation to ensure smooth delivery.
• Engage the audience with questions and anecdotes.
• Be prepared to answer questions from the students.

By following these guidelines and tailoring the presentation to your specific local court system, you can create an informative and engaging presentation for your high school audience.