Although the exact mode of operation may vary from one state to another, it is no surprise to hear that the judiciary system within the US is getting more and more expensive with every passing day. This coupled with the fact that most people facing trials are poor, there is a need to address the issue of forming an affordable market for legal support and spreading awareness about how legal systems, correctional facilities, defense attorneys, etc. operate.
When it comes to inmates and how to reach out to them, there are websites like inmateslookup that makes the job easier but there is still much confusion about how court systems work in different parts of the country.
In Maryland, like most other states, appeal and trial courts constitute the main body in addition to courts for administration hearing, orphan courts and federal courts.
Trial Courts and Its Types
Trial courts are meant for inmates who are serving time after being accused for the crime but the truth of it is yet to be proven. People facing cases in trial court need to appear before the judge and present an argument, with the help of a defense attorney, to prove or dis-prove the charges that have been placed against them. Individuals in trial are also allowed to plead “guilty” if they do not wish to pursue the case otherwise after which they may serve time in Genesee County Jail or submit the bail amount, if permitted, to be released for further hearing.
Trial courts have been divided into two main sections. The first of them is the district courts designated for the hearing of minor cases. These may include minor cases of domestic violence, property disputes, money disputes, traffic violations, etc. The second type of trial court is that of circuit courts. These handle more serious convictions like criminal cases, issues of child support, and may even have to address cases referred from administrative agencies or orphan’s courts. For over a couple of years, circuit courts have been granted the permission to hear some of the cases from the district court, if need be. Consequently, it is allowed to impose fines and imprisonment as per the judge’s decision.
Appellate or simply the Appeal courts have been set for cases where the individuals do not agree with the judgment passed by the court and wish to pursue the trial further. Appeal courts are only accessible if there is a sensible loophole in the judgment, otherwise the request of referring the case to the higher court would be turned down. The Court of special appeals consist of a panel of 3 judges to hear case points again and may include up to 15 judges to re-evaluate the decision. The Court of Appeals, which is considered to be the highest court in the legal system, only listens to selective, most serious cases like those of death penalties, legislative blunders, expulsion of a state official, etc.
Federal Courts and Others
Federal courts majorly have the responsibility of dealing with the laws that have been imposed on the state by the Congress. They may look into issues of bankruptcy, corruption by the officials, contract disputes, etc. Over the years, federal courts have also addressed issues like illegal citizenship and decision to remove them from a specific jurisdiction. Orphan’s courts, as the name already suggests, handle family issues, problems of guardianship, and similar cases.
The hierarchy of the legal system is a bit tricky but it is not impossible to understand. This system has been put in place for many years and might remain the same for centuries to come. Therefore, it is important to understand how legal hearings are done and what role different courts play in such situations.
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