> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://dubs-docs.gitbook.io/tbd-rp-department-of-justice-legal-code/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://dubs-docs.gitbook.io/tbd-rp-department-of-justice-legal-code/foundations-and-procedures/title-2-justice-system-structure-and-roles/the-court-system.md).

# The Court System

### **The Court System**

#### **Overview**

The San Andreas court system is designed to ensure fairness, consistency, and efficiency in administering justice. It consists of three primary levels: the Supreme Court, the District Court (which encompasses both Civil and Criminal Court functions), and the Appellate Court. Each court has specific roles, responsibilities, and jurisdictions to address various legal matters.

***

#### **Supreme Court**

* **Composition**:
  * 1 Chief Justice
  * 3 Justices
  * 1 Administrative Judge
* **Balance of Power**:
  * The Chief Justice holds a voting weight of **3 votes**.
  * Each Justice holds a voting weight of **1 vote**.
  * The Administrative Judge does not have voting power except in administrative or employee adjudications.
* **Jurisdiction**:
  * Handles cases of **national significance**, constitutional matters, and appeals from the District Court.
  * Supreme Court Justices may preside over District Court cases if necessary. In such cases, appeals are immediately elevated to the Supreme Court.
* **Guidelines**:
  * The Chief Justice is appointed for life unless they resign.
  * Justices must have prior experience as District Court Judges.
  * Administrative Judges serve at the discretion of the Chief Justice or through a unanimous vote of the Justices.

***

#### **District Court**

The District Court serves as the trial court for most cases, divided into two primary areas: **Civil Court** and **Criminal Court**.

**Civil Court**

* **Purpose**: Handles disputes between parties seeking monetary or asset restitution. Civil Court is not for pursuing criminal charges.
* **Types of Cases**:
  * Money or debts owed
  * Property disputes
  * Injuries (e.g., car accidents, medical malpractice)
  * Discrimination or civil rights violations
* **Statute of Frauds**:\
  Certain contracts cannot be enforced unless in writing, including:
  * Real estate sales
  * Long-term agreements (over one year)
  * Sale of goods over $500 or personal property over $5,000
* **Filing Process**:
  * Cases are reviewed for merit before proceeding to trial.
  * A 10% court fee is required for accepted cases, based on the damages sought (minimum $10,000).
* **Proceedings**:
  1. Suit Filing
  2. Acceptance or Denial
  3. Initial Discovery Phase
  4. Trial
  5. Verdict

**Criminal Court**

* **Purpose**: Prosecutes individuals accused of crimes on behalf of the government.
* **Jurisdiction**: Handles felonies, misdemeanors, and appeals within its scope.
* **Key Features**:
  * The prosecution must prove guilt **beyond a reasonable doubt**.
  * The accused may contest charges by pleading **Not Guilty** and proceeding to trial.
* **Proceedings**:
  1. Case Filing
  2. Acceptance or Denial
  3. Initial Discovery Phase
  4. Trial
  5. Verdict
* **Motion for Continuance**:\
  May be granted for valid reasons, such as:
  * Insufficient time to prepare for trial
  * Emergency circumstances
  * Changes to charges or counsel

***

#### **Appellate Court**

* **Purpose**: Reviews decisions from lower courts to determine if errors occurred in the application or interpretation of the law.
* **Jurisdiction**:
  * Appeals must be filed within 14 days of the original verdict.
  * The appellate court does not retry cases but reviews the evidence and exhibits from the trial.
* **Judicial Panel**:
  * Can overturn verdicts if errors or mishandling of the trial are proven.
  * May initiate disciplinary hearings for Judges or Justices if necessary.

***

#### **Additional Authority and Role Guidelines**

* **Higher Court Judges Acting in Lesser Courts**:\
  Supreme Court Judges may temporarily preside over District Court cases if no District Judges are available.
* **Lesser Court Judges and Higher Courts**:\
  District Court Judges are not permitted to preside over Supreme Court cases, ensuring the authority of higher courts remains intact.


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