Unit 3 Text Questions

Review Questions

1. When should a judge recuse himself or herself from a case?

When they feel that they have a biased opinion about one side of the trial. Other
wise, the whoel trial will be unfair.
2. What kinds of court cases are heard by federal courts? Name at least three.
Bankruptcy, Lawsuits, any federal offense.
3. How does the Supreme Court determine whether or not to hear a case?
The review the case by looking at the severity and the penalty.
4. What is the difference between a fact witness and an expert witness?
Fact witnesses provide details about the specific circumstances in a case. For
example, a fact witness who was at the scene of a hit-and-run could testify as to the
make and model of the car. Expert witnesses, on the other hand, provide insight in a
case by sharing their expert knowledge of a subject based on their training and
experience. For instance, a ballistics expert may tell the jury what kind of gun was
used in a crime.
5. Explain the purpose and importance of a sidebar.
Typically, sidebars are held to determine whether a certain witness can be called or
if a specific piece of evidence can be admitted.

Critical Thinking Questions

1. Do you think federal judges should be appointed for life? Why or why not?
Justices of the Supreme Court are appointed for life to avoid political pressure. I
think its good to keep them for life because it shows that they have a good track
record and we can feel a sense of trust with their power.

2. Do you think that expert witnesses should be paid? Why or why not?
I do believe they should be paid for doing what they need to do. They help the case
by telling us, in detail, of how the crime was committed used their training and
experience. Theyre the hardest working people that are being used to showcase
their abilities.
3. Who do you think is the most important person in the courtroom during a trial?
Explain.
The witnesses/victims of a crime are the most important because they have to go
through the process of reliving the crime over again in their minds and its the most
stressful and mentally challenging part of the entire trial. No one really understands
what its like to be a witness/victim to crime unless it happens to them.
4. Do you think the law should dictate what the sentence for a particular crime
should be? Why or why not?
I do believe so, but it should be based upon the severity of the case.
5. Do you think attorneys should be able to dismiss jurors without stating a specific
reason? Why or why not?
No, I do not think so. They are being asked there to sit during the trial and help
deliver a verdict, there must be no reason whatsoever that an attorney should have
the right to dismiss jurors. That should be the job of the judge, and it should be
based upon if the jury feels biased.