What do district courts handle

This is called a " writ of mandate. Click for a list of agencies and their websites. Some agencies have information about their hearings on their websites.

Some California administrative agencies, such as the Department of Motor Vehicles and the Department of Social Services, run their own hearings and have their own procedures. Other agencies have independent appeals boards. OAH runs administrative hearings for over 1, state and local government agencies. OAH also has alternative dispute resolution and mediation services, which work to find a settlement agreeable to both sides.

Every court case is different, and you can get detailed information about how a specific type of case starts and moves through the court by going to the type of case you are interested in on our home page. But there is some general information about how court cases work that can help you get an idea of what your case will be like too. There are several people in a courtroom. Many are court employees. In most courtrooms, you will find these court employees and staff:.

To truly find out what goes on in a courtroom, go and watch. Most hearings and trials are open to the public. Courtroom activities change from day to day and from one courtroom to another. If you have a case with a particular judge, go watch how that judge handles cases like yours. That way you will have an idea of what to expect and how to prepare. Skip to main content Skip to topics menu Skip to topics menu. Cancel Print. Advanced Search.

How Courts Work. Trial Courts Trial courts are also called "superior courts. Finding the Superior Court in Your County: All superior courts have websites that list the address and phone number of the court. These sites generally also: Give driving and transit directions; Provide local court rules; Provide the forms you will need; Tell the days and times the court is open; and Provide very helpful self-help legal information or resources for you to get help in your court and your county.

Also, certain kinds of cases go directly to the Supreme Court and are not heard first in a Court of Appeal, such as: Death penalty appeals, and Disciplinary cases involving judges. Federal Courts In addition to the state courts, there are also federal courts that handle federal cases that take place in California.

There are 3 levels of federal courts: The U. Supreme Court. There are also 2 special federal trial courts that hear certain kinds of cases from anywhere in the country: The Court of International Trade hears cases about international trade and customs issues. Court of Federal Claims hears cases about claims for money damages against the United States, disputes over federal contracts, cases about unlawful "takings" of private property by the federal government, and other claims against the United States.

Types of cases in federal courts The federal courts handle 2 main types of cases. These are cases with: Federal question jurisdiction These types of cases have to do with the U. Constitution, or federal laws. OR Diversity jurisdiction These types of cases happen when the 2 parties are from different states or different countries. Any diversity jurisdiction case can be filed in state court instead of federal court.

Federal courts also handle all bankruptcy cases. Usually, they do not deal with cases about: Divorce and child custody, Probate and inheritance, Real estate, Juvenile matters, Criminal charges, Contract disputes, Traffic violations, or Personal injury. Tribal Courts in California As sovereign entities separate from both the state and federal government, federally recognized tribes may have their own court systems.

Click for more information on tribal courts in California. How Court Cases Work Every court case is different, and you can get detailed information about how a specific type of case starts and moves through the court by going to the type of case you are interested in on our home page. The Federal District Court is the only federal court with jurisdiction or authority over civilians who commit federal crimes. Other federal courts hear specific types of disputes. The United States Court of International Trade hears cases involving international trade and customs issues.

While the power of the federal courts is strictly limited, the following are the types of cases that district courts can hear and decide:. For most of these cases, a plaintiff can choose to bring these cases in either a Federal District Court or a state court. Only federal courts can conduct trials of patent and copyright infringement disputes and prosecutions for federal crimes.

As of , there were federal district court judges. The federal court system has three main levels: district courts the trial court , circuit courts which are the first level of appeal, and the Supreme Court of the United States, the final level of appeal in the federal system.

There are 94 district courts, 13 circuit courts, and one Supreme Court throughout the country. Courts in the federal system work differently in many ways than state courts. The primary difference for civil cases as opposed to criminal cases is the types of cases that can be heard in the federal system.

Federal courts are courts of limited jurisdiction, meaning they can only hear cases authorized by the United States Constitution or federal statutes. The federal district court is the starting point for any case arising under federal statutes, the Constitution, or treaties.

The plaintiff has the initial choice of bringing the case in state or federal court. Note: the rules for diversity jurisdiction are much more complicated than explained here. Criminal cases may not be brought under diversity jurisdiction. States may only bring criminal prosecutions in state courts, and the federal government may only bring criminal prosecutions in federal court. Also important to note, the principle of double jeopardy — which does not allow a defendant to be tried twice for the same charge — does not apply between the federal and state government.

If, for example, the state brings a murder charge and does not get a conviction, it is possible for the federal government in some cases to file charges against the defendant if the act is also illegal under federal law. They may also be removed by impeachment by the House of Representatives and conviction by the Senate. Throughout history, fifteen federal judges have been impeached due to alleged wrongdoing.

One exception to the lifetime appointment is for magistrate judges, which are selected by district judges and serve a specified term. Unlike the appellate division that decides only questions of law when a party appeals a case, the Superior and District Court divisions are the trial court divisions that hold trials, and empanel juries to determine the facts of cases. In the busiest counties, several sessions may be held concurrently each week. Like the superior court division, district courts hold trials and empanel juries to determine the facts of specific cases.