Models of Legal Systems: Spotlight on the United States

Abstract

A firm understanding of the United States legal system requires an understanding of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The U.S. legal system is divided into three branches of government which all have delegated tasks and roles to achieve a ‘checks and balances’ state of function. The legislative branch is charged with making our laws, the executive branch carries them out and the judicial branch enforces them. Similar to some countries but very different from others, the United States judicial system operates with different levels and jurisdictions of courts. The states each operate their own tiers of courts, beginning with trial courts where cases are initially heard, and moving on to appellate courts where appeals can be addressed and finally a state supreme court. The Federal Court system is structured in a similar manner, with the top court in the Federal realm being the United States Supreme Court. Issues surrounding written versus oral testimony and the rules governing what evidence can be entered into court proceedings are also crucial information with which a forensic psychologist needs to be familiar.