AP GOV Flashcards
SCOTUS
Amicus Curiae Briefs
Individuals or organizations who are not related to the parties in case and wish to offer expertise and perspective
Appellate Jurisdiction
The power of a higher court to review and revise a lower courts decision
Attorney General
the position of the head of the justice department
Writ of centiorari
An order by a higher court to a lower court to send up a case for review
Concurring Opinion
A signed opinion that agrees with the majority view of the case
Dissenting opinion
An opinion disagreeing with the majority in a supreme court ruling
Judicial Activism
The philosophy that the supreme court should play an active roll in shaping national policies by addressing social and political issues
Judicial review
The power of courts to declare laws unconstitutional
Judicial restraint
Philosophy proposing that judges should interpret the constitution to reflect on what framers intended and what it literally says.
Majority Opinion
A statement that presents the views of the majority of supreme court justices regarding a case
Original jurisdiction
The jurisdiction of courts that hear a case first.
Rule of Four
At least 4 justices of the supreme court must vote to consider a case before it can he heard
stare decisis
The practice of using earlier judicial rulings as basis for deciding cases
( Past cases like US V Lopez)
Us Circuit Court of Appeals
Created to appellate jurisdiction over federal districts courts and state supreme courts.
US. district Courts
Trial courts they hear general cases, of a broad array of issues
