Learning Objectives:

Given background materials (or access to the INTERNET), the student will gain information about the Florida State Courts System and what courts make up this system.

Based on background materials (or access to the INTERNET), the student will discriminate among the types of cases that come before the courts in Florida and the types of courts that handle these cases.

Based on background materials (or access to the INTERNET), the student will identify differences between the trial and the appellate courts systems.

Suggested Learning Activities:

1.  Assign students to hyperlink and read the document Florida State Courts System which provides a general description of the different levels of court systems in Florida and the functions of the trial and appellate courts.  

2.  Assign students to hyperlink and read A Civil Case or Criminal Case? which describes a civil action or criminal case in Florida.

3.  Conduct a discussion with students about the role and function played by trial courts, district courts of appeal, and the Supreme Court of Florida.

4.  Flowchart the basic path a criminal or civil case takes through the judicial system including appeals from various levels of courts.

5.  Discuss the following situations and require the students to determine the type of case (criminal or civil), and the level of state court (county court, circuit court, district court, or supreme court) that would be required to appropriately resolve a case.  The jurisdiction of Florida’s courts is determined by Article V of the Florida Constitution.

• Read Article V, sections 3-6.  

A.  Tiggir gets a traffic ticket for bouncing too fast and he wants to dispute it.  Which court will handle this?

(Answer: The county court handles traffic infractions.)

B.  Micky Mouse meets an unfortunate death when Sylvester eats him.  Minny wants to get Mickey’s will probated.  Which court will handle this?

(Answer: The circuit court handles legal issues dealing with wills and estates.)

C.  Bugz Bunny gets in a fight with Donald Duque.  Bugz is charges with simple battery, a misdemeanor.  Which court will handle this case?

(Answer: The county court has jurisdiction over criminal prosecutions for misdemeanors.)

D.  Wile Coyote kills the Rode Runner and is charged with first-degree murder, a felony.  Which Court will handle this case?

(Answer: The circuit court has exclusive jurisdiction over criminal prosecutions for felonies.)

E.  After the guilt and penalty phase proceedings in circuit court, Wile is convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death.  Which court will handle the appeal?

(Answer: The Florida Supreme Court must hear all appeals from final judgments of trial courts imposing the death penalty.)

F.  On appeal, the Florida Supreme Court vacates Wile's death sentence and sends the case back to the trial court for a new penalty phase proceeding. This time Wile is sentenced to life imprisonment with no chance of parole. Which court will handle this appeal?

(Answer: The district court of appeal has jurisdiction over appeals from final judgments of trial courts that are not directly appealable to either the Supreme Court or a circuit court.)