Question

what is discretionary jurisdiction? *
2 points
a) the authority of a court to hear a case for the first time
b) the authority of a court to review decisions made by lower courts
c) the authority of a court to hear appeals from the supreme court
d) the authority of a court to issue warrants and subpoenas

according to the case b.w.a. v. farmington r-7 school district (2009), * 2 points
could you be suspended for wearing confederate flag clothing in school (
yes
no

what is the role of the appellate court? *
2 points
a) to hear cases for the first time and make initial rulings
b) to review decisions made by lower courts to see if errors were made
c) to facilitate settlement negotiations between parties
d) to oversee the selection and appointment of judges in lower courts

Explanation:

First Question (What is discretionary jurisdiction?):

• Option a: Original jurisdiction (hears case first).
• Option b: Appellate courts often have discretionary jurisdiction to review lower court decisions.
• Option c: Supreme Court is highest, no court hears appeals from it.
• Option d: Issuing warrants/subpoenas is not discretionary jurisdiction. So b is correct.

In B.W.A. v. Farmington R-7 School District (2009), the court held that wearing Confederate flag clothing could be considered disruptive, so suspension was permissible. Thus the answer is Yes.

• Option a: Trial courts (original jurisdiction) hear cases first.
• Option b: Appellate courts review lower court decisions for errors.
• Option c: Facilitating settlements is not their main role.
• Option d: They don’t oversee judge selection/appointment. So b is correct.

Answer:

b) The authority of a court to review decisions made by lower courts

Second Question (B.W.A. v. Farmington R-7 School District (2009)):