Municipal Police Officers' Education and Training Commission (MPOETC) Act 120 Practice Exam

What is the correct order of the court system as per the hierarchy of courts?

1. US Supreme Court, PA Supreme Court, PA Superior Court, Court of Common Pleas

2. Minor Courts, Court of Common Pleas, PA Superior Court, PA Supreme Court

3. PA Superior Court, Minor Courts, Court of Common Pleas, US Supreme Court

4. PA Supreme Court, Minor Courts, US Supreme Court, PA Superior Court

The correct answer is: Minor Courts, Court of Common Pleas, PA Superior Court, PA Supreme Court

The correct order of the court system in Pennsylvania, as well as the federal system, reflects a hierarchy where each level of court has jurisdiction over different types of cases and appeals. Starting from the lowest level, minor courts—often referred to as Magisterial District Courts in Pennsylvania—handle less severe criminal cases, traffic violations, and small civil matters. Moving up the hierarchy, the Court of Common Pleas serves as the trial court for more serious criminal cases and significant civil disputes. Next in line is the Pennsylvania Superior Court, which is an appellate court that reviews decisions made by the Court of Common Pleas and some decisions from minor courts. At the top of the state hierarchy is the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, which serves as the final appellate authority in the state, addressing significant legal questions and constitutional issues. Finally, the U.S. Supreme Court stands at the pinnacle of the national legal system, reviewing cases that involve federal laws or constitutional questions, and can also address decisions made by state supreme courts when they involve federal issues. This progression from minor courts up to the U.S. Supreme Court exemplifies the structure of authority and the appeal process within the judicial system.