Analyze the reason for the tiered structure of the judicial system in Washington. (1 point)

• People can have their cases be heard in federal court.
• People can have judges whom they voted for hear their cases.
• People can have their cases reviewed if necessary.
• People can have convenient locations to hear their cases.

1 answer

The reason for the tiered structure of the judicial system in Washington can be analyzed based on the following points:

1. People can have their cases heard in federal court:
The inclusion of federal courts in the tiered structure allows individuals to have their cases heard on a federal level. This is important for cases involving federal laws, constitutional issues, or disputes between parties from different states. By having federal courts available, individuals are ensured a separate legal system that handles matters of federal jurisdiction.

2. People can have judges whom they voted for hear their cases:
The presence of an elected judiciary at certain levels in Washington's judicial system allows individuals to have some influence over the appointment or selection of judges. This democratic feature of the tiered structure ensures that judges are accountable to the citizens they serve. It allows people to choose judges based on their qualifications, experience, and legal philosophies, giving them some control over the composition of the judiciary.

3. People can have their cases reviewed if necessary:
The existence of appellate courts within the tiered structure ensures that individuals have the opportunity to have their cases reviewed if they are dissatisfied with the outcome of a lower court judgment. Appellate courts provide a mechanism for error correction, allowing parties to present arguments challenging legal rulings or highlighting the misapplication of the law. This helps maintain fairness and transparency in the judicial system.

4. People can have convenient locations to hear their cases:
The tiered structure of the judicial system in Washington ensures that individuals have access to justice within convenient locations. By distributing courts at different levels across the state, people can have their cases heard closer to their place of residence or where the matter originated, minimizing travel and logistical difficulties. This accessibility promotes greater participation in the legal process and enhances the overall efficiency of the judicial system.

In summary, the tiered structure of the judicial system in Washington aims to provide individuals with various benefits, such as access to federal courts, involvement in judge selection, appellate review, and convenient locations for hearing cases. These elements contribute to a fair, accountable, and accessible judiciary.