AAERT Certified Electronic Reporter (CER) Practice Test

What role do district courts play in the legal system?

1. They serve as the highest court of appeal

2. They handle the majority of trial cases

3. They hear cases involving constitutional issues

4. They provide advisory opinions

The correct answer is: They handle the majority of trial cases

District courts primarily function as trial courts within the legal system, which means they are responsible for handling a vast majority of trial cases. This includes various types of cases such as civil, criminal, family law, and other matters that require a formal adjudication before a judge and, often, a jury. Their role is crucial because they are the first level of court where factual determinations are made, evidence is presented, and legal arguments are evaluated. Unlike appellate courts, which review the decisions made by lower courts, district courts are where cases are initially filed and tried. The decisions made in district courts can significantly affect the lives of individuals and the functioning of the justice system as a whole. By managing most cases, they help to ensure that the judicial process is efficient and accessible. The other provided options describe roles that do not align with the primary function of district courts. For example, the highest court of appeal is typically a state supreme court or the federal Supreme Court, while advisory opinions are usually offered by courts on matters that are not concrete disputes. Cases involving constitutional issues can arise in various levels of court, and while district courts can indeed hear some constitutional cases, that is not their exclusive function. Thus, handling the majority of trial cases is the