Changes

Americans have a respect for the “day in court.”  In the old days, someone who felt he was wronged would challenge his opponent to a duel.  Within days they would meet at dawn somewhere and try to kill each other, often leaving one dead.  That practice was stopped by prosecuting the person who survived for murder.  Now this type of dispute is resolved by one person suing the other.  Win or lose, at the end each side feels some relief for having their “day in court” to vent their grievance.

Americans have a respect for the “day in court.”  In the old days, someone who felt he was wronged would challenge his opponent to a duel.  Within days they would meet at dawn somewhere and try to kill each other, often leaving one dead.  That practice was stopped by prosecuting the person who survived for murder.  Now this type of dispute is resolved by one person suing the other.  Win or lose, at the end each side feels some relief for having their “day in court” to vent their grievance.

Trials are more common in state court than in federal court.  In federal court today, fewer than 1% of cases reach a trial.<ref name="Courts">http://www.uscourts.gov/uscourts/Statistics/JudicialBusiness/2011/JudicialBusiness2011.pdf</ref>  Federal cases are often settled or disposed of without a trial.

Trials are more common in state court than in federal court.  In federal court today, just over 1% of cases reach a trial.<ref name="Courts">http://www.uscourts.gov/uscourts/Statistics/JudicialBusiness/2011/JudicialBusiness2011.pdf</ref>  Federal cases are often settled or disposed of without a trial.

== Appellate Court ==

== Appellate Court ==