Courts & Trials

Federal vs. state courts

Federal courts hear cases about federal law, the Constitution, and disputes between citizens of different states. State courts hear most everyday cases — contracts, family law, most crimes, traffic, and personal injury.

Trial courts vs. appellate courts

• Trial courts hear evidence, find facts, and apply the law.
• Appellate courts review the record for legal errors. They don't hear new witnesses.

Role of judges and juries

• Judges decide legal questions, run the trial, and rule on evidence.
• Juries decide the facts — what happened — and often the verdict.

Jury selection (voir dire)

Potential jurors answer questions to see if they can be fair. Lawyers can strike jurors for cause (bias) or use a limited number of peremptory strikes (no reason needed, but not for discriminatory reasons).

Burden of proof

• Civil cases: Usually "preponderance of the evidence" — more likely than not.
• Criminal cases: "Beyond a reasonable doubt" — the highest standard.

What happens at trial

• Opening statements: Each side previews their case.
• Presentation of evidence: Witnesses testify, documents come in, experts explain.
• Closing arguments: Each side ties it all together.
• Verdict & judgment: The jury (or judge) decides; the court enters judgment.

Appeals

An appellate court reviews the trial record for legal errors. There is usually no new trial and no new evidence.

Harmless vs. prejudicial error

• Harmless error: A mistake that likely didn't change the outcome — verdict stands.
• Prejudicial error: A mistake that likely affected the outcome — can lead to reversal or a new trial.