6. Прочитайте и переведите текст. No two state court systems are exactly alike. Nevertheless, there are sufficient similarities to provide
an example of what a typical state court system looks like. Most state court systems are made up of
two sets of trial courts: trial courts of limited jurisdiction (probate, family, traffic, etc.) and trial courts
of general jurisdiction; intermediate appellate courts and the highest state courts.
Unlike federal judges, most state court judges are not appointed for life but are either elected or
appointed for a certain number of years.
Trial Courts of Limited Jurisdiction Trial courts of limited jurisdiction are courts that deal with only specific types of cases. They
are usually presided over by a single judge. Some examples of trial courts of limited jurisdiction
include:
1. Probate court: This court considers cases concerning administration of estates. It sees to it that the
provisions of a will are carried out properly or sees to it that a decedent’s property is distributed
according to the state law.
2. Family court: This court hears cases concerning adoption, divorce, alimony, child custody etc.
3. Traffic court: This court usually considers minor violations of traffic laws.
4. Juvenile court: This court usually deals with cases involving delinquent, unruly or neglected
children and adults who neglect, abuse or contribute to the juvenile delinquency.
5. Small claims court: This court usually resolves suits between private persons of a relatively low
dollar amount, for example, less than $5,000.
6. Municipal court: This court usually considers cases involving offenses against city ordinances.
Trial Courts of General Jurisdiction Trial courts of general jurisdiction bear the main burden in the administration of justice. They
hear cases outside the jurisdiction of the trial courts of limited jurisdiction. These involve both civil
and criminal cases. One judge (often sitting with a jury) usually hears them. In such cases, the judge
decides issues of law, while the jury decides issues of fact.