After reading Chapter 12, "Core Concepts of the U.S. Court System," you should be able to:

1. Explain the structure of the U.S. court system.
2. Explain hierarchical jurisdiction.
3. Describe other forms of jurisdiction.
4. Identify the key actors in the courtroom workgroup.
5. Explain the roles, functions, and duties of the actors in the courtroom workgroup.
6. Explain criminal pretrial processes.
7. Explain what is meant by initial appearance.
8. Explain charging.
9. Explain arraignment.
10. Explain discovery.
11. Discuss plea bargaining.
12. Explain the criminal trial process.
13. Explain jury selection.
14. Explain presumptions of evidence.
15. Describe sentencing processes.
16. Explain postconviction review.
17. Explain judicial review.
18. Discuss the philosophies of legal reasoning.