The Court System Song

This is a "Law Lessong" - a law lesson in a song - that I wrote to help students consider the structure and functioning of court systems. This song covers trial court and appellate court hierarchy and jurisdiction.

Audio files for more law lessongs can be found here: http://sites.google.com/site/blawprof/lawlessongs(lawlessonsinsong)
More "Law Lessong" videos will be posted at the Legal Studies Classroom blog: http://legalstudiesclassroom.blogspot.com/

Court System Song
By: M. DeAngelis

Start with a trial court
Of original general jurisdiction
It's where you file tort
Or contract civil claims Criminal Prosecution Housing Sessions and small claims Sometimes family matters Where jurisdiction is the same
But don't forget the courts of limited jurisdiction
Where state law grants them power to proclaim




Refrain:
It's a matter of jurisdiction,
The power to speak the law,
It's jurisdiction, that matters after all.

Back in the trial court
You have an opportunity to be heard
You'll get worthwhile support
From your lawyer, if you're wise Examining your witnesses Exposing opposing witness lies Placing documents in evidence Fending off the other side
It's the adversarial system, on display and in the flesh
Hoping to a just result the court will rise Refrain

You've a right to appeal
The trial court result
If your attorney feels
There've been errors of the law With appellate jurisdiction The court will examine the claimed flaws But they won't conduct a trial Just legal argument that's all
And remand the case if needed, back for trial once more
If needed to reverse the errors of law. Refrain

What of the Supreme Court?
The highest court in the land
The court of last resort
In any state may bear a different name Settling the law Is usually the aim And in most cases The procedure is the same
You may petition, but the Court's docket is its own
And they may not choose to hear your claim

Start with a trial court . . .

Category:

Education

Tags:

• legal studies
• legal education
• courts
• courts and trials
• law songs. law music
• civil procedure