The judicial branch of the United States has many layers and units. On the federal side, there are district courts, appeals (circuit) courts, and the US Supreme Court. On the state side, there are state trial courts, state intermediate appeals courts, and then the highest state courts, which go by a variety of names. To help you understand this complex system, create an infographic of the federal and state court systems that shows their hierarchy and how they are related to one another. Be sure to include details about how each court interacts with other courts in the dual legal system that exists in the United States. Use presentation software such as Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, or Google Presentation to create your graphic.

The Federal Court System

The Supreme Court - the highest court in the nation, hears some specific cases, and also hears appeals on constitutional law. It also has the power to exercise judicial review on the two other branches of the federal government: the Congress and the President.

U.S. Courts of Appeals - These courts hear many appeals, especially those related to orders issued by federal agencies.

Special Federal Courts - these courts hear specific cases on taxes, trade policy, immigration policy, and so on.

U.S. District Courts - the lowest federal courts, but still powerful. Hears cases related to violations of federal law.

The State Court System

State supreme courts - these courts are the equivalent to the U.S. Supreme court but on a state level. They usually hear appeals from lower state courts.

Superior courts - these courts hear the most complicated cases, for example, trials.

Special courts - like special federal courts, they are dedicated to hear specific type of cases: family courts, housing courts, divorce courts, and so on.

County and municipal courts - these are the lowest courts of the state system, and they hear simple cases.

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