Courts

Federalism means that the US has two court systems. Concurrent jurisdiction is a source of conflict and confusion.

The reading from the Administrative Office does a good job of explaining the mechanics of the federal judiciary.

Alternative Dispute Resolution.

One aspect of this week's discussion is likely to affect you directly. At some point, perhaps soon, most of you will get a call to jury duty. California has a good instructional video.

According to Tocqueville (p. 275), the jury is "the most effective means of popular education at society's disposal." What do you think that phrase means?

Here is a brief clip of oral argument in the California Supreme Court. The case involves medical marijuana.

Current SCOTUS justices.