Кандидат филологических наук, доцент

А. Е. Веретенникова

 

US LEGAL AND COURT SYSTEMS

 

 

Омск 2015

УДК 811(075.8)

ББК 81.2 Англ.

В 31

Рецензенты:

Кандидат филологических наук, доцент

Ф. Р. Имамутдинова (Уфимский юридический институт МВД России);

Доцент

 

 

Веретенникова, А. Е. US Legal and Court Systems: учебное пособие по английскому языку. – Омск: Омская Академия МВД России, 2015. – 74 с.

Учебное пособие предназначено для курсантов первого курса, обучающихся по специальностям: 40.05.01 Правовое обеспечение национальной безопасности, 40.05.02 Правоохранительная деятельность и 38.05.01 Экономическая безопасность. Представлены темы общеюридического блока рабочих учебных программ дисциплины «Иностранный язык»:, охватывающие законодательную и судебную системы США, тексты аудиозаписей материалов пособия, а также аутентичные учебные материалы для интерактивной работы. Пособие направлено на приобретение курсантами коммуникативной компетенции и знаний социокультурного фона.

 

УДК 811(075.8)

ББК 81.2 Англ.

 

Омская академия МВД России, 2015

Введение

Пособие представляет собой продолжение учебного пособия «LAW, POLICE, SOCIETY (Право, полиция, общество) – Ч.1»[1] и соответствует реализуемой в образовательных учреждениях МВД России образовательной программе дисциплины «Иностранный язык» (английский) по направлениям подготовки по специальностям 40.05.01 Правовое обеспечение национальной безопасности, 40.05.02 Правоохранительная деятельность и 38.05.01 Экономическая безопасность. Структурно учебное пособие, общим объемом в 74 страницы, состоит из трех разделов, которые включают: Section I – учебный материал, соответствующий темам, рекомендованным к изучению на первом курсе образовательного учреждения МВД России (Конгресс США. Конституция США. Судебная система США); Section II – тексты аудиозаписей (Audioscripts); Section III – приложение, где представлены аутентичные учебные материалы (Attachment).

Концептуальной основой учебного пособия является функционально-коммуникативный подход в преподавании иностранного языка[2], предусматривающий применение теории коммуникации в процессе обучения; профессиональную направленность всего учебного материала; цикличность построения учебника; рациональное использование технических средств обучения.

Последовательность изучения каждой темы заключается в работе над: 1. Введением (Lead-in); 2. Лексикой к теме раздела (Topical vocabulary); 3. Грамматикой (Grammar); 4. Лексикой для чтения текста и текстом (Reading and Vocabulary); 5. Устной речью (Speaking); 6. Участием в дебатах и ролевой игре (Interactivity). Комплекс дотекстовых, текстовых и послетекстовых заданий, представленных в пособии, выстроен с учетом методических основ преподавания иностранных языков. Ярко обозначена система обучения монологической речи на ситуативной основе. Эта последовательность предполагает уровень фразы, уровень сверхфразового единства и уровень текста, что отражено в упражнениях раздела 5 (Speaking). Тексты аудиозаписей, размещенные в разделе (Audioscripts) необходимы при разноуровневой работе и рекомендуются для зрительной опоры в группах уровня «Beginners», а также как источники информации для составления монологических высказываний в группах «Intermediate».

Логика учебного пособия соответствует компетентностной парадигме современного образования и способствует осуществлению письменной и устной профессиональной коммуникацию на английском языке, публичному представлению результатов исследований, ведению полемики и дискуссии; а также работе с различными источниками информации, развитию познавательной активности, критического мышления, памяти, внимания, языковой догадки, умений и навыков самостоятельной работы, в том числе, со справочными материалами и системой Интернет.

 

SECTION I. TOPICS

THE AMERICAN CONSTITUTION.

LEGISLATIVE BRANCH

Lead-in

1.1. Do you know these pieces of writing?

Model: The first (second, third) picture shows __________________.

1.2. Think and answer which(the American Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the Preamble)

– explains why it was written;

– originates from the pilgrims’ Mayflower Compact;

– limits the powers of the federal government and protects the rights of the people;

– was written in 1787 and went into effect in 1789;

– begins with the words “We the people”;

– can adapt to the changing needs and conditions of the nation;

– emphasizes that the government was established by the people;

– is composed of the first ten amendments to the Constitution;

– lists six goals for the government;

– may be interpreted in a new way;

– was adopted in 1791;

– covers the right to keep arms, the rights of persons accused of crimes and the right to speedy trial;

– can be changed by amendment, interpretation, and custom.

1.3. Listen and check your answers.

1.4. Summarize information about the US Constitution, the Preamble, and the US Bill of Rights in writing. Look at your notes and talk about each of the points.

Topical vocabulary

2.1. Listen and pronounce the following words and expressions after the speaker.

 

provision – положение (договора или закона)

to originate from – возникать (происходить) из

to draw up – составлять (документ)

pilgrim – странник, скиталец, первый поселенец

to reach – достигать

consent – согласие, разрешение

preamble – преамбула, вводная часть

to emphasize – подчеркивать, придавать особое значение

to list – перечислять, приводить

goal – задача

to insure domestic tranquility – гарантировать внутренний порядок

to promote the general welfare – обеспечить всеобщее благосостояние

to secure the blessings of liberty – обеспечить защиту благ свободы

need – потребность, запросы

condition – положение, состояние

to call a convention – созывать съезд

to cover – охватывать

to keep arms – хранить оружие

search and seizure – право производить обыск и выемку

to accuse of crime – обвинять в преступлении

excessive bail or punishment – чрезмерный залог или наказание

to reserve to – закреплять что-либо за кем-либо

certain clause – конкретный пункт (статья)

to carry out – исполнять

2.2. Read the definitions and name the corresponding word from the box.

Pilgrim, to list, goal, to carry out, need, excessive, preamble, condition, to cover, search.

 

a) a preliminary statement explaining reasons or purposes;

b) the lack of something necessary or useful;

c) an end to which effort is directed;

d) one of the group of English Puritans who founded Plymouth Colony in 1620;

e) the way that a person or thing is or exists;

f) to bring to completion;

g) to enter or include in a list;

h) to spread or extend over;

i) the act of looking through carefully in order to find something;

j) beyond what is necessary, usual;

2.3. Match the synonyms

 

goal	permission/ agreement
pilgrim	introduction
tranquility	aim
consent	traveler
preamble	order
to carry out	home
domestic	secure
to emphasize	weapon
arms	to accomplish
promote	to stress

 

2.4. Match the words to make word partnerships

1 to call	A the general welfare
2 to keep	B clause
3 excessive	C domestic tranquility
4 certain	D the blessings of liberty
5 to insure	E a convention
6 to secure	F arms
7 to promote	G bail or punishment

2.5. Complete the word-building table and translate the words

Verb	Noun	Adjective
	suggestion	suggested
to select	selection
to govern	government
to amend		amended
	provision	provided
to sign		signed
	rejection	rejected
to propose	proposal

2.6. Complete these sentences with the appropriate preposition from the box and translate them into Russian

to, by, of, up; to; on; from; in; to; of; to; by.

1. A constitutional form of government means that the country is governed according __ the provisions of the American Constitution.

2. The American Constitution originates __ the Mayflower Compact drawn __ on November 11, 1620 when the pilgrims on the Mayflower reached the New World.

3. The pilgrims’ leaders wrote the Compact to create a new government, one based __ cooperation and the consent of the people.

4. The words “We the people” emphasize that the government was established __ the people.

5. There are three ways in which the Constitution and the government can adapt __ the changing needs and conditions of the nation.

6. After an amendment has been proposed, it then must be approved __ three fourths, or 38, of the states and only after it becomes part of the written Constitution.

7. The Constitution may also be interpreted __ a new way.

8. Rights of persons accused __ crime.

9. Powers reserved __ the people and powers reserved __ the states.

10. A number __ changes in the nation’s federal government have come about through custom and tradition.

Grammar

Revise the formation and use of Present/ Past Indefinite; Present Perfect Tenses in the Active and Passive Voice and put the verbs in the correct form.

The United States has a constitutional form of government. It 1 (mean) that the country 2 (govern) according to the provisions of the American Constitution. They 3 (say) it 4 (originate) from the Mayflower Compact drawn up on November 11, 1620 when the pilgrims on the Mayflower 5 (reach) the New World. The pilgrims’ leaders 6 (write) the Compact to create a new government, one based on cooperation and the consent of the people. The opening sentence of the American Constitution, which is known as the Preamble 7 (explain) its purpose. The words “We the people” emphasize that the government 8 (establish) by the people.

The Preamble 9 (list) six goals for the government. Since the Constitution 10 (go) into effect in 1789, 27 amendments 11 (add) to it. An amendment may be proposed in two ways. The first is to have Congress propose an amendment by a two-thirds vote in both houses. The second 12 (begin) with the states when the legislatures of two-thirds of the states – 34 out of 50 – can ask Congress to call a national convention to propose an amendment. After an amendment 13 (propose), it then must be approved by three fourths, or 38, of the states and only then does it 14 (become) part of the written Constitution.

The first ten amendments to the Constitution 15 (call) the Bill of Rights. It 16 (limit) the powers of the federal government and 17 (protect) the rights of the people. These amendments 18 (adopt) in 1791 and they 19 (cover) (1) freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition; (2) right to keep arms; (3) quartering of soldiers; (4) search and seizure; (5) rights of persons accused of crime; (6) right to speedy trial; (7) jury trial in civil cases; (8) excessive bail or punishment; (9) powers reserved to the people; (10) powers reserved to the states.

A number of changes in the nation’s federal government 20 (come) about through custom and tradition. They sometimes 21 (call) an unwritten Constitution.

Reading and Vocabulary

Before reading

 

4.1. Look up the meaning of the following words in the dictionary. Read and translate some polysemantic words depending on the context:

body, lawmaking body,

nation, nation’s laws, national government,

house, two houses - the Senate and the House of Representatives,

to settle, settlement, to settle a dispute,

to state, state, United States, large and small states,

bill, to pay a bill, to introduce a bill,

to report, the committee reports its recommendations, report, crime report, they usually follow the committee report,

floor, the floor of a new house, to debate on the floor of each house,

to die, a victim died, the bill dies

to identify, identity, identical, identical form, identification,

4.2. Learn new words and expressions for reading the text. Look through the text “Legislative Branch”, find the sentences with these words and expressions, translate them into Russian.

to be composed of – состоять из; быть образованным из

to share – делить, разделять с кем-либо что-либо

to settle a dispute – урегулировать спорный вопрос

to debate on the floor of the house – рассматривать на обсуждении в палате

to adjust the differences – урегулировать разногласие

to override the veto – отвергать (отклонить) вето

either – любой

particular – конкретный, определенный

to hold hearings – проводить слушание

to appear – выступать публично, появляться

to suggest – предлагать, вносить предложение

suggestion – предложение, рекомендация

session –сессия парламента

they say that – говорят, что

4.3. Note the abbreviations: etc.; i.e.

Latin	English	Russian
etc. = et cetera	and so forth	и так далее, и т.д.
i.e. = id est	that is, in other words	то есть, т.е.

4.4. Think and answer

What is the reason forbicameral legislation?

Is there an alternative to the system of “checks and balances”?

What may be the President’s actions on a bill?

4.5. Listen to the text and read it. Try to understand as many details as possible. Draw a chart explaining how a bill becomes a law.

Text: Legislative Branch

The Constitution of the United States determines that the work of the legislative branch is to be carried out by Congress. It is the lawmaking body of the national government and is composed of two houses – the Senate and the House of Representatives. There are two reasons for bicameral legislation. Firstly, it helps to “check and balance” the work of this branch of the government. Having two houses to share the responsibility of making the nation’s laws allows each to check the actions of the other. Secondly, a bicameral Congress can settle a dispute between the large and the small states. The Constitution provides that the states should be represented equally in the Senate and according to the size of their population in the House of Representatives.

Either house – the Senate or the House of Representatives may introduce a bill. All bills are sent to committees organized by special areas (education, agriculture, foreign affairs etc.). The committee responsible for a particular bill holds hearings on it. Experts appear before the committee and offer suggestions and opinions about the bill. After the hearings, the committee reports its recommendations to the House. These recommendations may include suggested changes in the bill, or the committee may propose an entirely new one. Committee recommendations are of great importance because, when legislators vote on a bill, they usually follow the committee report. If a committee chooses not to consider the bill, the bill dies. Following the committee action the bill is debated on the floor of each house. Then a vote is taken. If both houses approve similar bills with some different provisions, both bills go to a Conference Committee, in which selected legislators work to adjust the differences. When a bill passes the Senate and the House in identical form, it is ready to be sent to the President.

The President may take one of the following actions on a bill: to sign the bill and declare it to be law; to refuse to sign the bill and send it back to Congress with a message giving the reasons for rejecting it (i.e. to veto a bill); to keep the bill for ten days without signing it. If Congress is in session during this period, the bill becomes a law without the President’s signature. If Congress is not in session and the President does not sign the bill within ten days, the bill does not become law. They say that the bill has been killed by a pocket veto. However, the proposal may still become a law if two thirds of each house of Congress then vote for it, thus overriding the President’s veto.

4.6 What are the English equivalents of the following word combinations:

любая палата; двухпалатный законодательный орган; предложенные изменения; в течение десяти дней; одинаковый; должна исполняться; небольшие штаты; руководствоваться докладом комитета; причины для отклонения; сдерживать и уравновешивать; законопроект прекращает существование; ответственность за издание государственных законов; отказаться подписывать; определенные направления; законотворческий орган; вносить предложения и высказывать мнения; совершенно новый; не рассматривать законопроект; должен быть представлен в равной степени; Согласительный комитет.

 

After reading

4.7 Are the following statements true or false? Correct the false ones.

A. The Constitution of the United States determines that the work of the executive branch is to be carried out by Congress.

B. Congress is composed of two houses – the House of Lords and the House of Commons.

C. The Constitution provides that the states should be represented according to the size of their population in the House of Representatives.

D. Only the President may introduce a bill.

E. The committee organized by special area holds hearings on it.

F. After the hearings, the committee reports its recommendations to the President.

G. If both houses approve similar bills with some different provisions, both bills are considered by selected legislators of a Conference Committee which adjusts the differences.

H. If Congress is in session, the bill becomes a law without the President’s signature.

4.8 Answer the following questions:

1. What is the US national government lawmaking body?

2. Is it reasonable to have bicameral legislation?

3. How are the states represented in the Senate?

4. Which body may introduce a bill?

5. Are Committee recommendations important for lawmaking? Why?

6. What follows the bill debates on the floor of each house?

7. What is the role of a Conference Committee?

8. What actions on a bill may the President take?

9. What does “a pocket veto” mean?

10. How can Congress override the President’s veto?

4.9 Read the text and reproduce it in Russian.

The Constitution of the United States

Article 1. Legislative Branch. Section 8. Powers Granted to Congress

 

The Congress shall have the power

1. To lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States;

2. To borrow money on the credit of the United States;

3. To regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several states, and with the Indian tribes;

4. To establish a uniform rule of naturalization, and uniform laws on the subject of bankruptcies throughout the United States;

5. To coin money… and fix the standard of weights and measures;

6. To provide for the punishment of counterfeiting the securities and current coin of the United States;

7. To establish post offices and post roads;

8. To promote the progress of science and useful arts, by securing for limited times to authors and inventors the exclusive right to their respective writings and discoveries;

9. To constitute tribunals inferior to the Supreme Court;

10. To define and punish piracies and felonies committed on the high seas, and

offenses against the law of nations.

 

(The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States of America – The Cato Institute, Washington, D.C. p. 23)

 

Note: duties, imposts, and excises – сборы, пошлины и акцизы

tribunals inferior to – суды, нижестоящие по отношению к

Speaking

5.1. Complete the sentences about the legislative branch of the United States:

A. According to the US Constitution the legislative branch is ….

B. Congress is composed of ….

C. The first reason for bicameral legislation is that ….

D. The second reason is that ….

E. The Constitution provides that the states should be represented ….

F. Either house … may introduce a bill.

G. All bills are sent to ….

H. Committee recommendations are of great importance because ….

I. Following the committee action ….

J. If both houses approve similar bills with some different provisions ….

K. When a bill passes the Senate and the House in identical form ….

L. The President may take one of the following actions on a bill: ….

5.2. Study the chart and speak about the makeup of the US Congress

	House of Representatives	Senate
Total membership
Number of members for each state	According to population
Elected by	Voters of Congressional District; For Representatives at Large Voters of the entire state	Voters of the entire state
Term of office	2 years	6 years
Vacancy	Filled by special election or at next general election	Special election or temporary appointment by State Governor until special or regular election
Presiding Officer	Speaker	Vice President of the US
Exclusive powers of each house	Originates revenue bills Impeaches civil officers Elects a President if no candidate has a majority of the electoral vote	Approves or rejects treaties Tries impeached officers Confirms or rejects appointments made by the President Elects a Vice President if no candidate has a majority of the electoral vote

5.3. Speak about lawmaking by the US Congress using the following key words and expressions:

___ may introduce ___

___ are sent to ___

___ holds hearings on ___

___ offer suggestions and opinions about ___

___ the committee reports ___

___ may include suggested changes in ___

___ may propose ___

___ usually follow ___

___ chooses not to consider the bill ___

___ the bill is debated on ___

___ the vote is ___

___ approve similar bills with ___

___ legislators work to __

___ is ready to be sent to ___

___ may take one of the following actions on a bill: ___

 

5.4. Explain what Congress can do if the President does not approve a bill.

If Congress is in session during this period ________________.

If Congress is not in session ____________________________.

If two thirds of each house of Congress vote for it __________.

5.5 Using your chart or the one in the attachment, explain how a bill becomes a law.

5.6. Speak about each of the common legislative stages (go to https://www.congress.gov/legislative-process/committee-consideration or look for the information in the attachment).

5.7. Make a presentation on one of the following topics:

1. US Constitution. 2. US Bill of Rights. 3. The Mayflower Compact. 4. Legislative Process. 5. Library of Congress.

Interactivity

6.1. Study the US Congress site (https://www.congress.gov/) and answer the following questions.

1. What is the number of the present Congress?

2. How many committees are there in the US House of Representatives? Name some of them.

3. What are the subcommittees of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs?

4. What issues have been recently discussed in the House Foreign Affairs Committee?

5. What is the Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, and Emerging Threats’ jurisdiction?

6. What is taking place on the Senate floor today?

 

6.2 Watch the Student Orientation Video “Welcome US Capitol Visitor Center” (www.visitthecapitol.gov) and:

report about the rules of visiting the US Capitol;

answer what a visitor can see on the US Capitol tour.

 

6.3. Study the site of the Law Library of Congress (www.loc.gov/law) and find some information on the topic of your yearly-paper (research – paper)?

 

6.4. Debate on the topic “Gun Control”.

1. Choose 2 groups including 2-3 Experts and a Speaker.

2. Experts of the first group support gun control laws.

3. Experts of the second group oppose gun control laws.

4. Experts of both groups as well (as the student audience) read the texts below and report their view points to the Speakers.

5. The Speakers summarize the experts’ opinions and make a speech supporting or opposing gun control.

6. The student audience listens to both Speakers and votes for or against gun control.

Text 1.

Guns have played an important role in American history. Colonists used muskets to hunt for food for their families. As the country expanded westward, rifles and pistols were used for settling disputes and defending against cattle rustlers (конокрады).

Guns are still an important part of American life. Over 70 million Americans own firearms and use their guns primarily for recreation (развлечение) – hunting, target shooting, and collecting. Many people keep guns in their homes for self-protection.

Unfortunately, firearms have a darker side. About 30,000 Americans are killed by firearms each year. Most of these deaths involve crimes. But gun accidents kill about 1,400 Americans annually. And firearms kept for self-protection often end up injuring or killing friends or family members instead of warding off intruders.

Text 2.

Because so many Americans are hurt and killed by firearms, many citizens want the government to restrict (ограничивать) gun ownership. Other people argue that gun ownership is a basic right guaranteed to all Americans. At the center of this debated issue is the Second Amendment to the Constitution which states that “A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and to bear arms shall not be infringed” (нарушать). This amendment allows each state to form and arm its own “well regulated militia” which is known today as the National Guard. National Guard units maintain the internal security of each state during emergencies. The amendment also gives local, state, and federal governments the right to establish and arm security forces, such as police departments. Few people would argue against giving police and military officials the right to use weapons to maintain the peace and security. But what about average citizens? Does the Second Amendment give everyone the right to own and use guns?

(Hartley W.H., Vincent W.S. American Civics – Holt, Rinehart and Winston, Inc. – 2010. p.128)

Lead-in

1.1. Can you determine the type of offense demonstrated in the pictures?

Model: I think (believe, consider, suppose, guess, am sure) that the first (second, third) picture demonstrates (burglary, kidnapping, theft, murder, traffic violation, disorderly conduct, violation of health laws, disputes between individuals) __________________.

1.2. Think and answer

a) whichoffenses are:

– serious;

– less serious;

– misdemeanors;

– felonies;

b) if civil or criminal cases

– deal with violation of the law;

– deal with disputes between individuals or businesses;

– may also involve disputes between a business and the government;

– involve acts that harm individuals or the community as a whole;

– are usually over property or money;

– result in awarding damages;

– specify that a lawyer presents the evidence against the accused.

1.3. Listen and check your answers.

1.4. Summarize the information about civil or criminal cases in writing. Look at your notes and talk about each of the points.

Topical vocabulary

2.1. Listen and pronounce the following words and expressions after the speaker.

case – дело, подлежащее судебному рассмотрению

in case – в случае, если

to harm – причинять вред, повреждать

as a whole – в целом

offense – правонарушение, проступок

evidence – доказательства, улика

accused – обвиняемый, подсудимый

burglary – кража со взломом

kidnapping – похищение людей

murder – убийство

felony – особо тяжкое преступление (amer.)

misdemeanor – малозначительное преступление

disorderly conduct – нарушение общественного порядка

violation – нарушение

to award damages –присудить компенсацию за убытки

2.2. Read the definitions and name the corresponding word from the box.

offense, case, misdemeanor, disorderly conduct, evidence, to harm, felony

 

a) an action or suit brought before a court of law for decision;

b) the act of breaking or violating the law;

c) a crime usually punishable by a fine or a short term of imprisonment;

d) something that serves to prove or disprove a belief or conclusion;

e) any of various crimes such as murder, rape or burglary;

f) to do damage;

g) any behavior that is considered to be a minor violation of public peace.

2.3.Describe the following words and expressions:

a) kidnapping;

b) disorderly conduct;

c) offense;

d) murder;

e) burglary.

2.4. Fill in the synonyms

 

deal with
include
persons
society
breaking
crime
wrongful behavior
charged with a crime
coins and paper currency
a piece of real estate

2.5 a) read the text and insert suitable words from ex. 2.4.;

b) listen to the speaker and check..

The Work of US Courts

US federal and state courts___ both criminal and civil cases. Criminal cases deal with ___ of the law. They involve acts that harm individuals or ___ as a whole. A criminal act is considered an ___ against society. In such a case, a lawyer presents the evidence against the ___. Serious crimes such as burglary, kidnapping, or murder are classified as felonies. Less serious offenses, such as traffic violation, ___ ___, or violation of health laws are known as misdemeanors.

Civil cases deal with disputes between ___ or businesses. They may also ___ disputes between a business and the government. These disputes are usually over ___ or ___. In a civil case, the state court must judge who is right and must award damages in the case.

Grammar

Revise the formation and use of Present / Past Indefinite in the Active and Passive Voice and put the verbs in the correct form.

United States courts of appeal 1 (review) cases that 2 (appeal) from the district courts. Courts of appeal also 3 (hear) appeals from decisions of federal regulatory agencies. There are 13 courts of appeal in the United States. Each 4 (cover) a large judicial district known as a circuit. The 50 states 5 (divide) into circuits. The twelfth circuit is the District of Columbia. Each court of appeal 6 (have) 6 to 28 judges. The senior judge 7 ( serve) as the chief judge. The judges of the courts of appeal 8 (appoint) for life.

Jury trials 9 (not take place) in the courts of appeal. Instead, a panel of at least three judges 10 ( review) the evidence and 11 (make the decision). The judges 12 ( examine) the records of the district court trial and 13 ( hear) arguments by the lawyers for both sides. The judges 14 (not determine) whether the accused person is guilty or innocent. Their job is to determine if the person who 15 ( appeal) the case 16 (grant) full legal rights during the trial.

The judges 17 ( reach) their decision by majority vote. If the court of appeal 18 ( find) that justice 19 (not do), it 20 ( send) the case back to the district court for a new trial. If the court of appeals 21 ( find) that justice 22 (do), it 23 ( uphold), or 24 (accept), the decisions of the district court. In most cases the decision of the court of appeal is final. Sometimes, however, another, final appeal 25 (make) to the US Supreme Court.

 

Reading and Vocabulary

Before reading

 

4.1. Read and translate some international words: federal, original jurisdiction, special jurisdiction, type, system, diplomatic, nation, dispute, state, final, appeal, structure, organize, classify, base, jury, person, interpret,municipal, preside, satisfy.

4.2. Learn new words and expressions for reading the text. Look through the text “ The United States Court System ”, find the sentences with these words and expressions, translate them into Russian.

 

chiefly – главным образом, в основном

to try a case – рассматривать (слушать) дело

trial court – суд первой инстанции (amer.)

to mean – означать

means – средства

by means of – посредством, с помощью

the only – единственный

only – только, лишь

panel – комиссия, группа специалистов

to determine – определять, устанавливать

to grant rights – предоставлять права

to accept – принимать, соглашаться

lawbreaker – правонарушитель, злоумышленник

minor (adj.) – мелкий, небольшой

major (adj.) – основной

amount of – количество

to set up – устанавливать, основывать

Juvenile court – суд по делам несовершеннолетних

matter – вопрос, ситуация

circuit court – выездная сессия суда

to hold court – отправлять правосудие, вершить суд

court of common pleas – суд по гражданским делам в США

4.3. Continue the line with synonyms.

· Lawbreaker …

· Major …

· Panel …

· Offense …

· To accept …

· To deal with …

· To hear a case …

· To set up …

4.4. Match the words to make word partnerships and translate them.

1 district
2 trial
3 state supreme
4 lower
5 general trial
6 circuit	COURT
7 municipal
8 superior
9 appeals
10 county
11 Supreme

4.5 Think and answer

– What words are carved over the entrance of the Supreme Court Building in Washington, D.C.?

– What does the right to a fair trial mean?

4.6 Listen to the text and read it. Try to understand as many details as possible.

Draw a chart explaining the US state court system (see the attachment section).

 

After reading

4.8 Answer the following questions:

1. What kind of court systems are there in the US?

2. What is the US Supreme Court jurisdiction?

3. What is the status of the US Supreme Court decisions?

4. What is the structure of the federal court system?

5. What is the federal court classification based on?

6. What is district court and courts of appeal jurisdiction?

7. What is the peculiarity of the US state courts system?

8. What cases do the US lower courts hear?

9. Where are major criminal and civil cases tried?

10. When may a case be appealed to the US Supreme Court?

 

4.9 Read the text by William H. Hartley and reproduce it in Russian.

Federal courts. Congress has also set up a number of special courts to handle specific types of cases. The US Claims Court hears cases involving money claims against the federal government. If the court rules against the government, the person bringing the suit is usually granted a sum of money. The US Court of International Trade hears cases involving import taxes, or tariffs. An individual or a business importing certain goods into the United States from another country must pay taxes on those goods. People who think that the tax is too high may take their cases to the US Court of International Trade. This court is in New York City, but it also hears cases in other port cities. Territorial courts were established by Congress to bring justice to the people living in territorial possessions of The United States. There is one each in the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. These courts handle the same types of cases as district courts. In addition, these courts hear the types of cases that would go to a state court. The US Tax Court hears appeals from those taxpayers who disagree with rulings of the Internal Revenue Services concerning their payment of federal taxes. The Court of Military Appeals is the appeals court for the nation’s armed services. People in the armed services who are accused of breaking a military law are tried at a court martial. This is a trial conducted by military officers. The Court of Military Appeals consists of three civilian judges. Its decisions usually cannot be appealed.

Speaking

5.1. Complete the sentences about the United States court system:

A. Under the federal system of government, the United States ….

B. The highest court is the Supreme Court of the United States which ….

C. The Constitution gives the Supreme Court original jurisdiction in ….

D. The present structure of the federal court system includes ….

E. Trial courts have appellate jurisdiction and review decisions ….

F. At the base of the federal court system ….

G. In case the court finds that justice was not done ….

H. If justice was done ….

I. Each state has its own system of courts to interpret ….

J. The lower courts generally hear ….

K. Major criminal and civil cases are handled ….

L. Appeals courts deal with cases ….

5.2. Study the chart and speak about the United States court system

 

 

5.3. Speak about the United States court system using the following key words and expressions:

___ has two ___

___ works chiefly as ___

___ gives the Supreme Court ___

___ the federal court system includes ___

___ are organized into ___

___ are classified according ___

___ next level consists of ___

___ review cases that are appealed ___

___ has its own system of courts ___

___ these cases are heard by ___

___ hear minor cases ___

___ criminal and civil cases are handled in ___

___ are heard by a jury and __

___ in which the judge travels ___

___ he can appeal to the state supreme court ___

5.4. Explain the courts of appeal and complainant actions in the following cases:.

If the court finds that justice was not done________________.

If the court finds that justice was done ____________________________.

If the person is not satisfied with theappeals court decision ___________.

5.5. Explain the peculiarity of the following US courts:

trial courts, district courts, courts of appeal, lower courts, general trial courts, state supreme courts, municipal courts, county courts, circuit courts, courts of common pleas, state supreme court, the Supreme Court of the United States.

 

5.6. Study the US Supreme Court website www.supremecourt.gov and answer the following questions:

1.Who helps to introduce visitors to the judicial functions of the Supreme Court?

2. Are Court sessions open to the public?

3.What is the Court schedule for the coming month?

4.What recent arguments were heard by the Court?

5.7. Listen to the audio or read the transcript of any arguments at www.supremecourt.gov and report to the group about it.

5.8. Make a presentation on one of the following topics:

1. Brief Overview of the Supreme Court. 2. Court Rules. 3. The Supreme Court Building. 4. Current Justices of the US Supreme Court. 5. The Supreme Court Exhibitions.

Interactivity

6.1. Take part in the role play “Trial”. (See the attachment section).

6.2. While listening. Listen to the text and answer the questions in writing.

Q l: When did the duty officer receive a telephone call?

________________________________________________________________

Q2: What did the caller say to the duty officer?

________________________________________________________________

Q3: What was the length of the railroad in the area of responsibility of police station # 5?

________________________________________________________________

Q4: How many bridges were over rivers?

________________________________________________________________

Q5: When was the emergency situation called off?

________________________________________________________________

Q6: What was the occupation of the witness?

________________________________________________________________

Q7: At what time and at what grid reference did the police patrol manage to stop the train?

________________________________________________________________

Q8: Why did the bomb-clearing unit come to a conclusion, that the criminals must have been severely injured by the explosion?

________________________________________________________________

Q9: How many passengers and engineers of the train were injured?

________________________________________________________________

Q10: What were the criminals dressed in?

________________________________________________________________

Listening for specific information. Listen to the text again and write down the answers to the following points.

1. When did the police receive information?_____________________________

2. Type of incident. ________________________________________________

3. Police strength. _________________________________________________

4. Occupation of the witness._________________________________________

5. Area of responsibility. ____________________________________________

6. Status in the region.______________________________________________

7. Preliminary action, taken by the police._______________________________

8. Date, time and location of the explosion.______________________________

9. Reporting time about explosion._____________________________________

10. Witness.______________________________________________________

 

11. Action taken by the duty officer after the explosion.____________________

12. Result.________________________________________________________

13. Injuries._______________________________________________________

14. Time and who went out to the scene.________________________________

15. Conclusion made by bomb-clearing unit._____________________________

16. Results of the search of the area.___________________________________

17. Description of the bodies._________________________________________

18. Documents.____________________________________________________

19. Results of the forensic examination. ________________________________

20. Status of the case._______________________________________________

After listening.

Imagine that you are an investigator. Use the information of the text and:

a) reproduce it;

b) write a Flash / Crime / Incident report using the Report Forms from the Appendix.

 

 

SECTION II. SCRIPTS

 

AUDIOSCRIPTS

Unit 1

Ex. 1. 3.

Good morning! My name is William C. O'Toole. I was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but now I am in Ashburn, Virginia. I am responsible for the police training at the regional law enforcement academy. My rank is Police Lieutenant Colonel. You can call me at 703-554-6251.

Hello! I am Andrey Tambovtzev. I am from Russia. Some years ago I was a cadet of the Omsk Academy of the Russian Interior Ministry. At present I work for it. I deal with Crime Detection teaching. My rank is Colonel. My email address is andrey_t@ gmail.com (A-N-D-R-E-Y, underscore,T, at, gmail,dot, com)

Hi! How are you? My first name is Craig, middle name is Irvin and my last name is Duar. I am from Scotland and my home town is Glasgow. I was born there on the 30^th of January 1971. At present I am at the Scottish Police College. My rank is Lieutenant Colonel of police. I work at the Educational Department and my responsibility is crime detection training. My telephone is 447-780-4537

Ex. 3. 3.

I work at the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy (NVCJA) in Ashburn, Virginia. It is a regional law enforcement academy for more than 2,700 police officers from the northern Virginia area and Washington, D.C.. They want to make careers in law enforcement, corrections, civil process, and court security. In its almost 50-year training history, thousands of our graduates have gone on to successful law enforcement careers and have distinguished themselves by performing at the highest levels of our profession.

Unit 2

Ex. 1. 3.

The University of Cambridge is a public research university. Being the second-oldest university in the English-speaking world (after the University of Oxford) and one of the most prestigious institutions of higher education in the United Kingdom and the world, it occupies a central location within the city of Cambridge. The mission of the University of Cambridge is to contribute to society through education, learning, and research at the highest international levels. Graduates of the university have won a total of 65 Nobel Prizes, the most of any university in the world. In the year of 1209 the university grew out of an association of scholars who left Oxford after a dispute with townsfolk. Initially, only male students were enrolled into the university. Women were allowed to study there from 1881.

The Scottish Police College is situated at Tulliallan Castle in Scotland. It is the onlyPolice College in the UK which provides all the training elements. The history of its building is very interesting. It was a medieval castle which was reconstructed. The first courses for inspectors and sergeants began there in 1954.

At present the trainees of the Scottish Police College are junior officers of the Scottish police service. They study to deal with crime and criminals, to protect law and order. Besides classroom activities, young police officers handle Officer Safety Training, skills of self-defense and intensive physical training. The instructors of the Scottish Police College are experienced workers of the Scottish police forces. They do their best to fulfill the college aim: to offer training, qualifications and professional development opportunities to enable trainees to develop their professional competence throughout their career.

The University of Oxford is the second oldest surviving university in the world. There is evidence of teaching there as far back as 1096. Oxford has no limit on the admission age. Historically, it was common for boys to become members of the university between the ages of fourteen and nineteen. The majority of today’s students are eighteen or nineteen.

Undergraduate teaching is centered on the tutorial, where 1–4 students spend an hour with a tutor discussing their week’s work, usually an essay or problem sheet. Students usually have one or two tutorials a week. These tutorials are complemented by lectures, classes and seminars. Most members of academic departments are professors whose aim is to be at the forefront of learning, teaching and research. Forty-seven Nobel laureates have studied or taught at Oxford.

Unit 3

Ex. 1. 3.

Harvard University is the oldest higher education institution in the United States. Harvard College was established in 1636 to provide a literate ministry for colonial churches. It is named after John Harvard, a young minister who left his family library and half of his estate to the newly born college. The university has grown from a relatively small provincial institution to a modern university, which is often placed at the top of educational rankings. This private university provides excellent education and attracts upper-class students and faculty. More than 12,000 students study there now and it boasts forty Nobel laureates.

The Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy prepares individuals for careers in law enforcement, corrections, civil process, and court security. It continues to be a leader in providing exceptional training to public-safety personnel. The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies considers it to be a national model for other training academies. Each year since 1965 it has offered over 130 classes in a wide variety of law enforcement topics. Instructors certified by the State of Virginia or federal government teach these courses.

With over 80 majors and more than 30 graduate programs the University of Louisiana at Lafayette is an impressive public university of 17,000 students. It opened its doors in 1900 in the city of Lafayette – the heart of Cajun Country where French, Spanish and Caribbean cultures come together. The University’s mission is to learn beyond the classroom, to bring people together, to help others.

According to the Princeton Review of 2013 it is ranked as one of the nation’s best institutions for undergraduate education with high research activity in computing, nursing, environment, energy, French and English. Among its peculiarities is a large campus of handsome red brick buildings and the natural beauty of a Cypress Lake that is home to several alligators.

 

Unit 4

Ex. 1. 3.

Lomonosov Moscow State University or MSU was established in 1755 by Elizabeth the First who stated its mission as public education for people’s life and homeland prosperity.Today the university follows it in the XXI century context. About 5 000 researchers, 6 000 professors and lecturers work for the faculties and research institutes. More than 40 000 students are currently enrolled in the university. In 1940 the university was renamed in honor of its founder, Mikhail Lomonosov. Since 1953 most of the facilities have been situated on Sparrow Hills. The university has 39 schools and 15 research centers. Its main building was the tallest in Europe until 1990. The central tower fits a total of 33-kilometers of corridors and 5 000 rooms. There are several other constructions and sports centers on the university campus including the only baseball stadium in Russia.

In 1724 Peter the Great founded St. Petersburg University which became the oldest institution of higher education in Russia. It played an important role in the development of the Russian society and always considered personality development as its mission. At present St. Petersburg State University is home for more than 32 000 students who can choose from 20 university schools and over 323 majors. The university employs almost 14 000 staff members including nearly 6 000 lecturers, over 3 000 Ph.Ds and 42 Academicians. In November 2009 the right of giving its own diplomas with the Russian Federation official symbols was granted to the University.

The Omsk Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs is a police training institution. The Academy is situated in Western Siberia in the city of Omsk, a megapolis with the population of over 1 200 000 inhabitants.

It is one of the oldest law enforcement training institutions in Russia. Its history dates back to 1920 when the government decided to create militia schools and courses of crime detection in the country. While first instructors were militia or Criminal Investigation Department professionals, applicants were only from workers and poor peasants.

At present the Academy provides both undergraduate, graduate and post graduate education of operatives and investigators. The teaching staff does its best to prepare trainees for the law enforcement mission – to protect law and order.

Ex. 2.5.