General Litigation
| Problem-Solving Courts |
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| Problem-solving courts were developed to handle recurring cases, especially in the areas of domestic violence, drug-related offenses, and crimes involving mentally ill or mentally disabled individuals. Problem-solving courts use a therapeutic justice model, emphasizing treatment of the underlying problem. They seek tangible results for victims, for offenders and for the general public. They coordinate with public agencies and community organizations to offer treatment as an alternative to incarceration. More... |
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| Standards for Admitting Expert Testimony |
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| In 1993, the United States Supreme Court established standards for admitting expert testimony when it decided Daubert v. Merrill Dow Pharmaceuticals. The Court held that for scientific evidence to be reliable, it has to be based on scientific validity. To be admissible at trial, a scientific theory has to have been tested and subjected to peer review and publication. The rate of error has to be shown, and there must be standards controlling any research on the theory. Finally, the theory has to be generally accepted in the scientific community. More... |
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| Federal Court of Appeals Judges |
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| The federal court system has an intermediate level appellate court, which is called the court of appeals. The President of the United States appoints all federal judges, including federal court of appeals judges. However, the United States Senate has to confirm each appointment. Federal judges are appointed for life.
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| Impeachment of Federal Judges |
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| Under the United States Constitution, the President of the United States, with the approval of the United States Senate, appoints federal judges. Federal judges are appointed for life but can be removed from office by impeachment. More... |
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| State Appellate Courts |
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| Most states have an intermediate level appellate court, which is generally called the court of appeals. State courts of appeals have a panel of judges who review the trial court's decision. The number of judges on the panel varies. The court of appeals determines whether the trial judge followed proper procedure and correctly interpreted and applied the law to the facts of the case.
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