{"id":35,"date":"2018-01-13T15:30:00","date_gmt":"2018-01-13T15:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/trainingpips.com\/?page_id=35"},"modified":"2019-05-02T14:41:25","modified_gmt":"2019-05-02T22:41:25","slug":"article-3-the-state-and-federal-court-systems","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/ps-101-a-course-outline\/ps-101-chapter-1-chapter-outline-a-civics-lesson\/article-3-the-state-and-federal-court-systems\/","title":{"rendered":"PS 101 &#8211; Chapter 1 &#8211; Article 3 &#8211; The State and Federal Court Systems"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"HTMLtext\">\n<p><span style=\"color: #808080;\">Process servers deal with documents from a multitude of sources, including attorneys, <a class=\"glossaryLink\"  aria-describedby=\"tt\"  data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_9c5f0b2b35fe9c84ec92c0ffd54a1f33\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/law\/\"  data-mobile-support=\"0\"  data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex='0' role='link'>law<\/a> firms, private individuals, landlords, and state agencies. The majority of service assignments involve documents of a <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_4279a2ab7a3f86646771fc19eb39150f\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/judicial\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">judicial<\/a> nature. It is therefore important that a professional process server have some knowledge of the court system.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #808080;\">This section will look at the federal, state, and local court systems. The systems are largely independent of each other but, as you will see, they look rather similar in structure. Each will be broken down into an outline to show the hierarchical relationship between the individual courts in each system. &#xA0;<\/span><span class=\"popmake-2776\" style=\"color: #004500;\"><b>Tell me more.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #004500;\"> <u><strong><a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_0354e5f2b12acf954e75cab409f6fc81\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/federal-courts\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">FEDERAL COURTS<\/a><\/strong><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #808080;\">There are three levels in the United States Federal Court System:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><strong><a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_bd04e60f4fa690cfb4286c959de4e416\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/district-court\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">District Court<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><strong>Court of Appeals<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><strong>Supreme Court<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: #808080;\">Unlike the state court systems, which oversee a wide array of cases from personal injury to public policy to family <a class=\"glossaryLink\"  aria-describedby=\"tt\"  data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_9c5f0b2b35fe9c84ec92c0ffd54a1f33\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/law\/\"  data-mobile-support=\"0\"  data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex='0' role='link'>law<\/a>, the federal system oversees a much narrower range of cases. The federal system focuses on cases involving the United States as either a plaintiff or a <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_d678f5e95d39afd5f19bf46e3044dd98\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/defendant\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">defendant<\/a> and cases that involve the interpretation or application of federal <a class=\"glossaryLink\"  aria-describedby=\"tt\"  data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_9c5f0b2b35fe9c84ec92c0ffd54a1f33\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/law\/\"  data-mobile-support=\"0\"  data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex='0' role='link'>law<\/a>. So what kinds of cases are heard?<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><strong>Federal Questions:<\/strong> <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_0354e5f2b12acf954e75cab409f6fc81\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/federal-courts\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">Federal Courts<\/a> can decide any <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_ee0906d5d691acc059558479e885ae08\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/case\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">case<\/a> that considers federal <a class=\"glossaryLink\"  aria-describedby=\"tt\"  data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_9c5f0b2b35fe9c84ec92c0ffd54a1f33\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/law\/\"  data-mobile-support=\"0\"  data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex='0' role='link'>law<\/a>. This includes constitutional <a class=\"glossaryLink\"  aria-describedby=\"tt\"  data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_9c5f0b2b35fe9c84ec92c0ffd54a1f33\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/law\/\"  data-mobile-support=\"0\"  data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex='0' role='link'>law<\/a>, federal crimes, some <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_e0da25e34fbbaf411fbee3ad39a5a1cd\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/military-law\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">military law<\/a>, intellectual property (patents, copyrights, etc.), securities laws, and any other <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_ee0906d5d691acc059558479e885ae08\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/case\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">case<\/a> involving a <a class=\"glossaryLink\"  aria-describedby=\"tt\"  data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_9c5f0b2b35fe9c84ec92c0ffd54a1f33\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/law\/\"  data-mobile-support=\"0\"  data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex='0' role='link'>law<\/a> that the U.S. Congress has passed.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><strong>Diversity:<\/strong> Cases between residents of two different states can go to federal court as long as there is more than $75,000 in dispute. <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_0354e5f2b12acf954e75cab409f6fc81\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/federal-courts\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">Federal courts<\/a> can also hear cases between two <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_a7aa16d80b50c24b6c6f9f30c39e6910\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/people\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">people<\/a> who have land grants from different states, or between the states themselves. States can sue each other for a number of reasons, but often these cases are over rights to land or waterways. When this happens, states can <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_9c74b500aa6a1146d6020069cb303e64\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/skip\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">skip<\/a> the trial court and go directly to the U.S. Supreme Court.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><strong>Treaties and Diplomats:<\/strong> Cases that affect or could affect the U.S.&#x2019;s standing with other countries, including cases addressing treaties with other countries. This includes cases involving ambassadors and public ministers in the U.S. and abroad.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><strong>U.S. Government Cases:<\/strong> For example, if you wanted to sue the FBI, you would file suit in federal court, but if you wanted to sue your local sheriff, your state court will take that <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_ee0906d5d691acc059558479e885ae08\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/case\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">case<\/a>.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><strong>Admiralty:<\/strong> Cases that involve navigable water bodies in and around the U.S., including the oceans, rivers, and great lakes.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: #004500;\"><u><strong>United States <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_bd04e60f4fa690cfb4286c959de4e416\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/district-court\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">District Court<\/a><\/strong><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #808080;\">Most cases do not <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_8d874656c30e600c07687a64c6ef6505\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/move\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">move<\/a> past the United States <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_bd04e60f4fa690cfb4286c959de4e416\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/district-court\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">District Court<\/a> (USDC), therefore the USDC handles the most cases of all of the <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_0354e5f2b12acf954e75cab409f6fc81\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/federal-courts\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">federal courts<\/a>. The USDC is the &#x201C;trial court&#x201D; of the federal system and is broken down into districts or circuits. Each district covers a specific region of the United States and its governed lands. Congress often breaks this down even further through divisions within a district and what counties are in what division and what city the court is in. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #808080;\">There are 94 federal <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_4279a2ab7a3f86646771fc19eb39150f\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/judicial\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">judicial<\/a> districts, including at least one district in each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Three territories of the United States&#x2013;the Virgin Islands, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands&#x2013;have district courts that hear federal cases, including bankruptcy cases.&#xA0;Within limits set by Congress and the <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_94133a05e4f90e260124e23dca8e6afa\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/constitution\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">Constitution<\/a>, the district courts have <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_5086e959c24a45b2dbd075e9518cc38e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/jurisdiction\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">jurisdiction<\/a> to hear nearly all categories of federal cases, including both <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_f85c13360f43549d0f1b1fff83e1555a\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/civil\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">civil<\/a> and criminal matters.&#xA0;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #808080;\">In the state of Washington, for example, there are two districts, a western district and an eastern district. The former generally covers the lands west of the cascade crest and the latter the lands east of the cascade crest. The western district is divided into two divisions, one based in Seattle and the other based in Tacoma. The eastern district is based in Spokane.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #004500;\"><u><strong>United States Court of Appeals<\/strong><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #808080;\">For many of the cases which are appealed within the federal system, the United States Court of Appeals has the final say. Only a small handful of cases will actually make it to the United States Supreme Court. Like the USDC, the Court of Appeals is broken down into districts. There are twelve districts or circuits of the US Court of Appeals; one covers the District of Columbia and the other eleven cover a specified area of the United States and its governed lands. The Court of Appeals in each <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_116fc55c2368bf359fb22506476b60ed\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/circuit\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">circuit<\/a> is responsible for hearing the appeals from the USDC and other administrative agencies within their specific <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_116fc55c2368bf359fb22506476b60ed\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/circuit\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">circuit<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #808080;\">There are two primary purposes of review in the Court of Appeals. The first purpose is error correction. The Court of Appeals is called on to monitor the performance of federal district courts and federal agencies; and supervises their application and interpretation of national and state <a class=\"glossaryLink\"  aria-describedby=\"tt\"  data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_9c5f0b2b35fe9c84ec92c0ffd54a1f33\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/law\/\"  data-mobile-support=\"0\"  data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex='0' role='link'>law<\/a>. It does not seek out new <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_3c8009139ea1a3a11c13d9887c2c82dc\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/evidence\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">evidence<\/a>; instead it examines the records for errors. The Court of Appeals also settles disputes and enforces national <a class=\"glossaryLink\"  aria-describedby=\"tt\"  data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_9c5f0b2b35fe9c84ec92c0ffd54a1f33\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/law\/\"  data-mobile-support=\"0\"  data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex='0' role='link'>law<\/a>. The second purpose of review by the Court of Appeals is sorting out and developing those few cases worthy of review by the Supreme Court.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #808080;\">Like the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals also acts as a policy maker with its decisions, more so as the Court of Appeals handles the thousands of cases that do not make it to the Supreme Court. Usually the Court of Appeals policy making occurs at a regional level instead of at a national level. <\/span><span class=\"popmake-2789\" style=\"color: #004500;\"><b>Tell me more.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #004500;\"><u><strong>United States Supreme Court<\/strong><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #808080;\">According to Article II Section 2 of the United States <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_94133a05e4f90e260124e23dca8e6afa\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/constitution\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">Constitution<\/a>, the Supreme Court has the following power: &#x201C;The <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_4279a2ab7a3f86646771fc19eb39150f\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/judicial\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">judicial<\/a> Power shall extend to all Cases, in <a class=\"glossaryLink\"  aria-describedby=\"tt\"  data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_9c5f0b2b35fe9c84ec92c0ffd54a1f33\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/law\/\"  data-mobile-support=\"0\"  data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex='0' role='link'>Law<\/a> and Equity, arising under this <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_94133a05e4f90e260124e23dca8e6afa\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/constitution\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">Constitution<\/a>, the Laws of the United States, and Treaties made, or which shall be made, under their Authority;-to all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls;-to all Cases of admiralty and maritime <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_5086e959c24a45b2dbd075e9518cc38e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/jurisdiction\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">Jurisdiction<\/a>;-to Controversies to which the United States shall be a <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_cdad8f4671f8b195e0bbd57293fa5d08\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/party\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">Party<\/a>;-to Controversies between two or more States;&#x2014;between a State and Citizens of another State;-between Citizens of different States;&#x2014;between Citizens of the same State claiming Lands under Grants of different States, and between a State, or the Citizens thereof, and foreign States, Citizens or Subjects.&#x201D;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #808080;\">The US Supreme Court is the final <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_846444dceb546dc3d782964ac4201ff3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/arbiter\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">arbiter<\/a> of any <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_c8c9f68e786e7fe18d701288574b91da\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/legal\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">legal<\/a> question which <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_836e5f892f15e815cb6ad041454ae630\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/may\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">may<\/a> arise in the United States. It also acts as a policy maker because it interprets the <a class=\"glossaryLink\"  aria-describedby=\"tt\"  data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_9c5f0b2b35fe9c84ec92c0ffd54a1f33\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/law\/\"  data-mobile-support=\"0\"  data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex='0' role='link'>law<\/a>. <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_c8c9f68e786e7fe18d701288574b91da\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/legal\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">Legal<\/a> disputes about public policy are resolved by the Supreme Court. An example of this is Brown vs. Board of Education where the Supreme Court ruled that separate educational facilities for blacks and whites was inherently unequal, therefore segregation constitutes a denial of equal protection as guaranteed under the <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_94133a05e4f90e260124e23dca8e6afa\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/constitution\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">constitution<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #808080;\">On average, the Supreme Court decides, with signed opinions, 80 to 90 cases per year. Thousands are disposed of with less than the full treatment. Only a very select set of policy issues are dealt with by the Supreme Court. As mentioned above, the Supreme Court sets public policy because it interprets the <a class=\"glossaryLink\"  aria-describedby=\"tt\"  data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_9c5f0b2b35fe9c84ec92c0ffd54a1f33\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/law\/\"  data-mobile-support=\"0\"  data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex='0' role='link'>law<\/a> as written and passed by Congress and signed by the President. There is, however, a very important difference in that the Supreme Court must wait for the policy questions to come before it. It cannot seek out issues on which it wants to rule. Once a ruling is made the court depends on others to implement or carry out its decisions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #808080;\">The Supreme Court has both original and appellate <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_5086e959c24a45b2dbd075e9518cc38e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/jurisdiction\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">jurisdiction<\/a>. Original <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_5086e959c24a45b2dbd075e9518cc38e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/jurisdiction\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">jurisdiction<\/a> is the power to hear a <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_ee0906d5d691acc059558479e885ae08\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/case\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">case<\/a> for the first time. Appellate <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_5086e959c24a45b2dbd075e9518cc38e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/jurisdiction\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">jurisdiction<\/a> gives the high court the authority to review cases originally decided by a <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_803c85c954a5e64e3e9455d2e66f82ba\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/lower-court\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">lower court<\/a>. The Supreme Court is mainly an appellate court, as most of its time is devoted to reviewing <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_803c85c954a5e64e3e9455d2e66f82ba\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/lower-court\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">lower court<\/a> decisions. On rare occasions it will take up a new <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_ee0906d5d691acc059558479e885ae08\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/case\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">case<\/a> which has not been heard in a <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_803c85c954a5e64e3e9455d2e66f82ba\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/lower-court\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">lower court<\/a>.&#xA0;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #808080;\">The United States Supreme Court is our highest court and has the final word in interpretation of the <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_94133a05e4f90e260124e23dca8e6afa\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/constitution\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">constitution<\/a>, acts of legislative bodies, and treaties.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #004500;\"><strong><u>STATE COURTS<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #808080;\">No two states have identical court systems, though there are certainly many similarities between them. The large variation of local court systems comes from the more extensive statutory laws that the states have as opposed to those of the federal government. The state courts cover a wider array of cases from basic personal relationships to the state&rsquo;s public policies to family <a class=\"glossaryLink\"  aria-describedby=\"tt\"  data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_9c5f0b2b35fe9c84ec92c0ffd54a1f33\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/law\/\"  data-mobile-support=\"0\"  data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex='0' role='link'>law<\/a>. The number of cases heard annually at the state level far exceeds the number heard at the federal level by many times over.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #808080;\">This section will look at the organization of the local courts in the State of Washington where there are four levels:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><strong>Courts of <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_2761d7e34a73c26e662722f3641c8820\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/limited-jurisdiction\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">Limited Jurisdiction<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><strong>Superior Court<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><strong>Court of Appeals<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><strong>Supreme Court<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span class=\"popmake-2802\" style=\"color: #004500;\"><b>Tell me more.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline; color: #004500;\"><strong>Crimes in the State of Washington<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #808080;\">One way to understand the authority of the various courts is to know what crimes can be prosecuted in each of them. There are four basic levels of crime in Washington. They are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><strong>Infractions<\/strong>, the least serious of cases, are acts prohibited by <a class=\"glossaryLink\"  aria-describedby=\"tt\"  data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_9c5f0b2b35fe9c84ec92c0ffd54a1f33\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/law\/\"  data-mobile-support=\"0\"  data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex='0' role='link'>law<\/a> but not legally defined as a crime. The only possible punishment is a fine of no more than $1,000.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><strong>Misdemeanors<\/strong> are petty crimes. Punishment <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_836e5f892f15e815cb6ad041454ae630\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/may\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">may<\/a> include a fine, imprisonment, or both. However, the fine cannot exceed $1,000 and\/or 90 days in jail.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><strong>Gross misdemeanors<\/strong> are more serious crimes. Punishment <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_836e5f892f15e815cb6ad041454ae630\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/may\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">may<\/a> include a fine, imprisonment, or both. The fine cannot exceed $5,000 and imprisonment <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_836e5f892f15e815cb6ad041454ae630\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/may\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">may<\/a> not exceed 364 days in jail.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><strong>Felonies<\/strong> are the most serious crimes. Punishment <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_836e5f892f15e815cb6ad041454ae630\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/may\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">may<\/a> include a fine, imprisonment, or both. The fine cannot exceed $50,000 but imprisonment <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_836e5f892f15e815cb6ad041454ae630\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/may\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">may<\/a> be for life.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: #004500;\"><u><strong>Courts of <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_2761d7e34a73c26e662722f3641c8820\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/limited-jurisdiction\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">Limited Jurisdiction<\/a><\/strong><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #808080;\">Though courts of <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_2761d7e34a73c26e662722f3641c8820\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/limited-jurisdiction\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">limited jurisdiction<\/a> are known by a variety of names in the different states, in Washington they are known as either <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_ac44c3b4e8b3c180d800d248998ed6e7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/municipal-court\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">municipal court<\/a> or <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_bd04e60f4fa690cfb4286c959de4e416\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/district-court\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">district court<\/a>. Between these two courts more than two million cases are filed annually. Statistics show that any where from 85% to 90% of all cases filed annually are filed in either <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_57bf7dfbd2d9740880dbadb72d550bcf\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/municipal\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">municipal<\/a> or <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_bd04e60f4fa690cfb4286c959de4e416\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/district-court\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">district court<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #808080;\">With regards to criminal cases, <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_57bf7dfbd2d9740880dbadb72d550bcf\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/municipal\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">municipal<\/a> and district courts handle infractions, misdemeanors, and gross misdemeanors.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_57bf7dfbd2d9740880dbadb72d550bcf\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/municipal\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">Municipal<\/a> courts exist at the city or town level. As of 2008 there were 127 <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_57bf7dfbd2d9740880dbadb72d550bcf\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/municipal\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">municipal<\/a> courts in the State of Washington. <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_57bf7dfbd2d9740880dbadb72d550bcf\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/municipal\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">Municipal<\/a> courts have exclusive <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_5086e959c24a45b2dbd075e9518cc38e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/jurisdiction\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">jurisdiction<\/a> over matters arising from ordinances of the city; therefore they oversee the violations of <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_57bf7dfbd2d9740880dbadb72d550bcf\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/municipal\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">municipal<\/a> or city ordinances. <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_57bf7dfbd2d9740880dbadb72d550bcf\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/municipal\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">Municipal<\/a> courts have <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_5086e959c24a45b2dbd075e9518cc38e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/jurisdiction\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">jurisdiction<\/a> over infractions, misdemeanors, and gross misdemeanors which are committed within the city limits and are a violation of a city ordinance. Infractions and crimes which are not found in a cities ordinances cannot be prosecuted in <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_ac44c3b4e8b3c180d800d248998ed6e7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/municipal-court\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">municipal court<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #808080;\">No <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_f85c13360f43549d0f1b1fff83e1555a\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/civil\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">civil<\/a> cases are heard in <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_ac44c3b4e8b3c180d800d248998ed6e7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/municipal-court\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">municipal court<\/a>. In general, and with certain exceptions, process servers do not serve documents originating in <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_ac44c3b4e8b3c180d800d248998ed6e7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/municipal-court\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">municipal court<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #808080;\">District courts exist at the <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_3fc9a160702d36ad8dfff3b08eac36c3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/county\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">county<\/a> level and as of 2008 there were 49 district courts in the 39 Washington counties. District courts oversee both <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_f85c13360f43549d0f1b1fff83e1555a\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/civil\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">civil<\/a> and criminal cases. As in <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_57bf7dfbd2d9740880dbadb72d550bcf\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/municipal\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">municipal<\/a> courts these courts can hear criminal cases involving infractions, misdemeanors, and gross misdemeanors.&#xA0;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #808080;\">District courts also oversee several types of <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_f85c13360f43549d0f1b1fff83e1555a\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/civil\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">civil<\/a> cases. Small claims allow the <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_48335b1c885f3005c1d1f5b25687483e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/petitioner\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">petitioner<\/a> to request a settlement of up to $5,000. <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_bd04e60f4fa690cfb4286c959de4e416\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/district-court\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">District court<\/a> has <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_5086e959c24a45b2dbd075e9518cc38e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/jurisdiction\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">jurisdiction<\/a> over <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_3cd2979924f004434ea6bcc0a5417ec3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/damages\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">damages<\/a> for injury to individuals or personal property and penalty and <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_1d70bf5c6d3d4120bf11bd7ccaed3952\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/contract\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">contract<\/a> disputes in amounts of up to $100,000. The courts <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_836e5f892f15e815cb6ad041454ae630\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/may\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">may<\/a> also issue domestic violence and anti-harassment protection orders and have <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_5086e959c24a45b2dbd075e9518cc38e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/jurisdiction\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">jurisdiction<\/a> to hear change-of-name petitions and certain <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_57809cfbe4d858af2da12b93b85070d5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/lien\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">lien<\/a> foreclosures.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #808080;\">Most <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_f85c13360f43549d0f1b1fff83e1555a\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/civil\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">civil<\/a> cases originate in <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_bd04e60f4fa690cfb4286c959de4e416\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/district-court\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">district court<\/a>. The number of cases, depending on the size of the population in the court&#x2019;s <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_5086e959c24a45b2dbd075e9518cc38e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/jurisdiction\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">jurisdiction<\/a> (generally the <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_3fc9a160702d36ad8dfff3b08eac36c3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/county\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">county<\/a> in which the court is located), can be astronomical. This is because most collection actions are filed in this court by collection agencies. Each <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_b7db846b4e8e7f58f22a7244cb4ba67e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/action\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">action<\/a> generates a summons and <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_480ac5a4fca2893528a20e69eee6a917\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/complaint\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">complaint<\/a> which must be properly served on the <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_d678f5e95d39afd5f19bf46e3044dd98\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/defendant\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">defendant<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #004500;\"><u><strong>Superior Court<\/strong><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #808080;\">As with the district courts, superior courts are found at the <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_3fc9a160702d36ad8dfff3b08eac36c3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/county\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">county<\/a> level, and they hear both <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_f85c13360f43549d0f1b1fff83e1555a\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/civil\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">civil<\/a> and criminal cases. Also known as courts of general <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_5086e959c24a45b2dbd075e9518cc38e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/jurisdiction\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">jurisdiction<\/a>, there is no limit on the type of <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_f85c13360f43549d0f1b1fff83e1555a\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/civil\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">civil<\/a> and criminal <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_ee0906d5d691acc059558479e885ae08\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/case\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">case<\/a> they can hear. Superior courts also have the authority to hear cases appealed from either the <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_57bf7dfbd2d9740880dbadb72d550bcf\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/municipal\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">municipal<\/a> or <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_bd04e60f4fa690cfb4286c959de4e416\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/district-court\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">district court<\/a> levels.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #808080;\">The types of cases seen in superior court includes <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_3517dc8471959336c087f8df8bacdb95\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/misdemeanor\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">misdemeanor<\/a>, gross <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_3517dc8471959336c087f8df8bacdb95\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/misdemeanor\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">misdemeanor<\/a>, and felonies. Felonies are the most serious of criminal cases.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #808080;\">The <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_f85c13360f43549d0f1b1fff83e1555a\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/civil\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">civil<\/a> cases heard in superior court are any cases which are outside of the state&#x2019;s guidelines for <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_bd04e60f4fa690cfb4286c959de4e416\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/district-court\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">district court<\/a>, such as cases where the <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_48335b1c885f3005c1d1f5b25687483e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/petitioner\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">petitioner<\/a> is asking for a settlement over $100,000. Superior court also oversees cases such as <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_8beaf78a442b01d478f16e1c565aaa90\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/divorce\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">divorce<\/a>, annulment of marriage, other domestic dispute cases, child dependency, adoptions, guardianships, and all manner of other <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_f85c13360f43549d0f1b1fff83e1555a\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/civil\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">civil<\/a> disputes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #808080;\">One division of superior court, unique from the rest is <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_9f6e2d670145fd6e7d52a1eaf5fa28c5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/juvenile-court\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">Juvenile Court<\/a>. This division was established by <a class=\"glossaryLink\"  aria-describedby=\"tt\"  data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_9c5f0b2b35fe9c84ec92c0ffd54a1f33\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/law\/\"  data-mobile-support=\"0\"  data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex='0' role='link'>law<\/a> to deal with youths under the age of 18; who <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_4551c180c9ef227932a2b8492f97b335\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/commit\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">commit<\/a> offenses (offenders) or who are abused or neglected (dependents). This division also oversees cases where juveniles are being tried as the <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_d678f5e95d39afd5f19bf46e3044dd98\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/defendant\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">defendant<\/a> in a criminal <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_ee0906d5d691acc059558479e885ae08\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/case\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">case<\/a> or other cases where juveniles are involved such as dependency and termination of parent-child relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #004500;\"><u><strong>Court of Appeals<\/strong><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #808080;\">Generally, most cases being appealed from a superior court are appealed to the Washington State Court of Appeals. There are three divisions of the court of appeals: Division I is in Seattle, Division II is in Tacoma and Division III is in Spokane. Each division covers specific counties in Washington.<\/span> <span class=\"popmake-2796\" style=\"color: #004500;\"><b>Tell me more.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #808080;\">Most cases appealed from superior court go directly to the Court of Appeals. It is a non-discretionary appellate court; it must accept all appeals filed with it. The Court of Appeals has authority to reverse (overrule), remand (send back to the <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_803c85c954a5e64e3e9455d2e66f82ba\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/lower-court\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">lower court<\/a>), modify, or affirm the decision of the <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_803c85c954a5e64e3e9455d2e66f82ba\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/lower-court\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">lower court<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #808080;\">The Court of Appeals was created to help take some of the work load off of the Supreme Court. Our system of <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_2816e5b3416df99e936f34f0cece26d3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/justice\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">justice<\/a> holds the view that parties in a <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_ee0906d5d691acc059558479e885ae08\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/case\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">case<\/a> are entitled to at least one <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_4d3b51e9566d4e2027b557de4b3fce2a\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/appeal\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">appeal<\/a>. However, not all cases need to be addressed by the Supreme Court. Therefore, for most cases the Court of Appeals is the last resort for litigants in the <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_c8c9f68e786e7fe18d701288574b91da\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/legal\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">legal<\/a> system. There are some exceptions to this and those cases are addressed in the following section on the Supreme Court.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #004500;\"><u><strong>Supreme Court<\/strong><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #808080;\">The Supreme Court is the highest court in the State of Washington. It is responsible for the rules and regulations that the other courts in the state follow. It is allowed to choose the cases it wishes to hear.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #808080;\">Though most cases under <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_4d3b51e9566d4e2027b557de4b3fce2a\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/appeal\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">appeal<\/a> go to the Court of Appeals, there are some exceptions to this. The Supreme Court can choose to take on a <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_ee0906d5d691acc059558479e885ae08\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/case\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">case<\/a> which is being appealed directly from a superior court. Cases where the final verdict is the death penalty also go directly to the Supreme Court for review. Other cases <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_836e5f892f15e815cb6ad041454ae630\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/may\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">may<\/a> include situations where the trial court ruled a statute or ordinance unconstitutional, found there are conflicting statutes or rules of <a class=\"glossaryLink\"  aria-describedby=\"tt\"  data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_9c5f0b2b35fe9c84ec92c0ffd54a1f33\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/law\/\"  data-mobile-support=\"0\"  data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex='0' role='link'>law<\/a>, or if the issue is of broad public interest and requires a prompt and ultimate determination.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #808080;\">When its opinions are published they become the <a class=\"glossaryLink\"  aria-describedby=\"tt\"  data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_9c5f0b2b35fe9c84ec92c0ffd54a1f33\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/law\/\"  data-mobile-support=\"0\"  data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex='0' role='link'>law<\/a> of the state and set <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_bf917407e75c7b961182240d6737962a\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/precedent\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">precedent<\/a> for subsequent cases heard in any court (with the exception of the <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_0354e5f2b12acf954e75cab409f6fc81\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/federal-courts\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">federal courts<\/a>) in the state. The Supreme Court is also the final rule-making authority for all of the state&#x2019;s courts. Though local courts make their own rules of procedure, these rules must conform to, or not conflict with, those established by the Supreme Court. In addition, the Supreme Court has administrative responsibility for operation of the state court system.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #808080;\">Within the <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_a77c8d181924e6e8e784308cc03fd5a4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/fact\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">fact<\/a> pattern of the particular <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_ee0906d5d691acc059558479e885ae08\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/case\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">case<\/a>, the Supreme Court determines whether the proper constitutional provision, statute or common-<a class=\"glossaryLink\"  aria-describedby=\"tt\"  data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_9c5f0b2b35fe9c84ec92c0ffd54a1f33\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/law\/\"  data-mobile-support=\"0\"  data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex='0' role='link'>law<\/a> principle has been applied correctly. The <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_40a8499768379de76f2ce9bfad032989\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/judgment\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">judgment<\/a> of the <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_803c85c954a5e64e3e9455d2e66f82ba\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/lower-court\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">lower court<\/a> is affirmed if no prejudicial error is found or reversed if it is found. Decisions of the Supreme Court then become <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_c8c9f68e786e7fe18d701288574b91da\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/legal\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">legal<\/a> <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_bf917407e75c7b961182240d6737962a\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/precedent\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">precedent<\/a> for lawyers and judges in determining future disputes involving similar questions of <a class=\"glossaryLink\"  aria-describedby=\"tt\"  data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_9c5f0b2b35fe9c84ec92c0ffd54a1f33\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/law\/\"  data-mobile-support=\"0\"  data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex='0' role='link'>law<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #808080;\">The parallels between the state court system and the federal court system are obvious. Both possess an entry level court, an intermediate court level to allow for appellate review, and a supreme court which acts as a court of last resort.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[qsm quiz=3]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Process servers deal with documents from a multitude of sources, including attorneys, <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_9c5f0b2b35fe9c84ec92c0ffd54a1f33\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/law\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">law<\/a> firms, private individuals, landlords, and state agencies. The majority of service assignments involve documents of a <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"cmtt_4279a2ab7a3f86646771fc19eb39150f\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/glossary\/judicial\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">judicial<\/a> nature. It is therefore important that a professional process server have some knowledge of the court system. This section will look at the federal, state, [&#x2026;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":29,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-35","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/35","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=35"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/35\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/29"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.trainingpips.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=35"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}