Intro to Paralegal Studies Practice

What is the primary function of trial courts?

1. To oversee the judicial system

2. To determine facts and apply the law to those facts

3. To hear appeals from lower courts

4. To create laws and regulations

The correct answer is: To determine facts and apply the law to those facts

The primary function of trial courts is to determine facts and apply the law to those facts. In trial courts, judges or juries listen to evidence presented during a trial, including witness testimonies and physical evidence, to establish what actually happened in a particular case. Following the establishment of the facts, trial courts apply relevant laws to make rulings on the case. This process is vital because trial courts serve as the setting where disputes are heard for the first time and resolution is sought based on factual determinations. It is the only level of court where evidence is introduced and witness testimony is heard in person, giving rise to unique findings of fact that are then used to reach a legal conclusion. In contrast, other roles such as overseeing the judicial system, hearing appeals, or creating laws and regulations fall outside the scope of trial courts. For instance, appellate courts, not trial courts, are responsible for hearing appeals from lower courts and reviewing the application of law, while legislation is created by legislative bodies. Thus, the focus of trial courts remains firmly on fact-finding and legal application.