Chapter 2 – Courts and the Legal Process
Learning Objectives
After studying this chapter, you should be able to:
- Describe the two different court systems in the United States, and explain why some cases can be filed in either court system.
- Explain the importance of subject matter jurisdiction and personal jurisdiction and know the difference between the two.
- Describe the various stages of a civil action: from pleadings, to discovery, to trial, and to appeals.
This chapter covers:
2.1 General Perspectives on Courts and the Legal Process
2.2 The Relationship Between State and Federal Court Systems in the United States
2.3 Subject Matter Jurisdiction – Original Versus Appellate Jurisdiction
2.6 How a Case Proceeds in Court
2.7 When Can Someone Bring a Lawsuit
