Hierarchy of Courts

Group 6:
Kristine Mae Francisco-Sibonga
Enjellyn Maclang
Irene Villamor

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Philippine Judicial System

Law Interpretation

● Laws are interpreted by courts.

● Judges apply laws to cases.
● Justice is administered fairly.
● Legal system based on Spanish civil law.

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Supreme Court of the Philippines

Highest Legal Authority

● Interprets Constitution and laws.

● Ensures uniformity in law application.
● Handles cases of national importance.
● The last arbiter of all questions of law
● Decision may be reversed by the court sitting en banc

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Court of Appeals Overview

Statutory Court Original and appellate jurisdiction

● Handles cases on appeal from lower courts, ● To issue writ of mandamus, prohibition,

ensuring justice is served. certiorari, habeas corpus and quo warranto and

● Consists of a Presiding Justice and 68 auxiliary writs

Associate Justices ● Exclusive original jurisdiction over actions for

● Court may sit en banc for the purpose of the annulments of judgments of RTC

exercising administrative, ceremonial, or ither ● Exclusive appellate jurisdiction over all finals

non-adjudicatory functions judgments by RTC, quasi-judicial agencies

including SEC, SSS, ECC, CSC,
● Power to try cases and conduct hearings,
receive evidence within its jurisdiction
Sandiganbayan: The Anti-Graft Court

Tackling Corruption Cases

● Sandiganbayan is a special court in the Philippines

exclusively for graft and corruption cases involving
government officials.
● Established in 1978, Sandiganbayan's main goal is to
uphold accountability and integrity in public service.
● Over the years, Sandiganbayan has handled high-profile
cases, ensuring that justice is served and corrupt officials
are punished.
● The court's swift and fair decisions make it a crucial
institution in the fight against corruption.

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Regional Trial Courts

Primary trial courts

● Regional Trial Courts are primary courts in the country.

● These courts handle both criminal and civil cases.
● They have jurisdiction over cases beyond the municipal
level.
● RTCs are crucial for the administration of justice.

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Court of Tax Appeals

The Court of Tax Appeals is a special court that exclusively handles tax-related cases.
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It was established to provide an efficient and fair resolution of tax disputes.

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Cases heard by the Court of Tax Appeals involve complex tax laws and regulations.
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Municipal Trial Courts

Limited Jurisdiction

● Court that handles small claims like debt recovery and rent
disputes.
● Resolves cases involving city code violations like noise
complaints and parking tickets.

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Sharia District Courts

Muslim Law Cases

● Sharia courts handle cases specific to Muslims following

Islamic law.
● They have authority in matters like marriage, divorce, and
inheritance.

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Hierarchical Court Structure

Fair Justice System

● The Supreme Court is the highest judicial body in the

Philippines.
● The Court of Appeals handles appeals from lower courts.
● Trial courts hear cases at the first instance level.
● The hierarchical system promotes uniformity and
consistency in judicial decisions.

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Wrapping Up
Thank you!