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Careers in Management

U.S. COURT SYSTEM enforce state civil and criminal laws. Most of the states
The court system also offers career opportunities. An have trial courts, intermediate courts of appeal, and a
understanding of the court system is relevant to a career supreme court.
discussion. The courts in the United States fall within two Most states have local trial courts—municipal,
classifications: the federal court system and the state court county, district, and small-claims courts. Millions of civil
systems. and criminal cases are tried at this level. Other state courts
may include police courts, magistrate’s courts, justices of
Federal Court System. The federal court system is com- the peace, and probate or surrogate courts that handle
prised of the Supreme Court, circuit courts of appeal, and wills and inheritances. There are also traffic courts, juve-
district courts. There are also specialized federal courts. nile courts, and domestic relations courts.
The U.S. Supreme Court is the final court of appeal State appeals courts (sometimes called error-correct-
for both civil and criminal law. It was created by Section ing courts) review trial court cases to determine if errors
1, Article III of the U.S. Constitution. Title 28 of the U.S. caused an incorrect decision. Their decisions may be
Code establishes its jurisdiction. The Court’s organization appealed to the federal courts, including the U.S.
is specified by legislation, although the rules governing Supreme Court in certain instances.
case presentations are formulated by the Court itself. Supreme courts in each state, like the U.S. Supreme
Judicial review is an important power given to the Court at the federal level, interpret their state constitu-
U.S. Supreme Court. This refers to (1) declaring invalid tions, statutes enacted by their state legislatures, and the
laws that violate the U.S. Constitution, (2) asserting the body of state common law.
supremacy of federal laws or treaties if they differ from
SEE ALSO Law in Business
state and local laws, and (3) serving as the final authority
on the interpretation of the U.S. Constitution.
The U.S. Supreme Court includes a chief justice and BIBLIOGRAPHY
eight associate justices. Appointed by the president with Margolis, Wendy, Gordon, Bonnie, Puskarz, Joe, and Rosenlieb,
the approval of the Senate, they serve for life or until they David, eds. (2005). The ABA-Official Guide to ABA-Approved
Law Schools, American Bar Association and Law School
retire, resign, or are impeached.
Admission Council.
The U.S. Supreme Court has original jurisdiction in Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory, (2001). Martindale-Hubbell.
some cases, particularly where a state is a party or diplo-
“U.S. Courts,” Retrieved October 15, 2005, from
matic personnel are involved. The remaining cases come http://www.uscourts.gov/.
from lower courts. Requests for review number approxi-
mately 4,500 annually; less than 200 cases are selected for
decision by the U.S. Supreme Court. Craig A. Bestwick
G. W. Maxwell
Some appeals to the U.S. Supreme Court come from
any of the twelve federal courts of appeal or the ninety-
four federal district courts. These cases involve the U.S.
Constitution, federal laws or cases in which the U.S. gov- CAREERS IN
ernment is a party, disputes between residents of different
states (“diversity” jurisdiction), or matters assigned by fed- MANAGEMENT
eral legislation. Management is a very exciting and rewarding career. A
Appeals also come from specialized federal courts. career in management offers status, interesting work, and
The Court of Military Appeals reviews courts-martial the satisfaction of working closely with other people. Peo-
cases appealed from military courts. These cases concern ple are considered the most important resource in organi-
offenses committed by members of the armed forces and zations. If they perform effectively, the organizations will
are sometimes brought before the U.S. Supreme Court. succeed. Managers work closely with people, ranging from
The U.S. Court of Claims hears cases dealing with top managers to clerical workers, to ensure that organiza-
claims against the federal government. Its decisions may tions achieve their objectives.
also be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. In addition, A management career also offers the opportunity to
the U.S. Supreme Court may rule on cases involving deci- make the world a better place. Managers help organiza-
sions of U.S. Custom offices, such as import duties. tions succeed. When organizations are successful, there is
better utilization of resources, less stress among employ-
State Court Systems. Each state has its own court system. ees, less chaos in society, and a better quality of life for all.
These courts are created by state statute or constitution to Effective managers play an important role in shaping the

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