U.S. Citizenship Civics TestSystem of GovernmentHard
An applicant is asked about the concept of 'original jurisdiction' in the U.S. federal court system. Which of the following best describes a court exercising original jurisdiction?
- AA federal appeals court reviewing a decision made by a federal district court
- BThe U.S. Supreme Court reviewing a constitutional amendment for ratification
- CA state supreme court hearing an appeal from a lower state court
- DA federal district court conducting a trial with a judge and jury
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. A federal district court conducting a trial with a judge and jury
Original jurisdiction refers to a court's authority to hear a case for the first time, conducting trials, hearing evidence, and making initial factual determinations. Federal district courts are primarily courts of original jurisdiction.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This describes appellate jurisdiction within the federal system.
- B. The Supreme Court does not review constitutional amendments for ratification; that is a political process for states. Its limited original jurisdiction typically involves disputes between states or cases involving ambassadors.
- C. This describes appellate jurisdiction within a state system.
Original Jurisdiction
Original jurisdiction is the authority of a court to hear a case for the first time, conducting a trial and making initial findings of fact and law.
- Where cases begin.
- Federal district courts primarily have original jurisdiction.
- Involves trials, evidence, and witnesses.
Memory trick: Original jurisdiction is where the story 'Originates'.