Exam 1 Vocab

Question 1

Jurisprudence

Answer 1

The philosophy of law

Question 2

Sovereign

Answer 2

The recognized political power, whom citizens obey (i.e. federal and state governments)

Question 3

Litigator

Answer 3

Lawyer who handles court cases

Question 4

Litigation

Answer 4

The process of filing claims in court and ultimately going to trial

Question 5

Alternative Dispute Resolution

Answer 5

Any other formal or informal process used to settle disputes without resorting to a trial

Question 6

Trial Courts

Answer 6

Courts that determine the facts of a particular dispute and apply to those facts the law given by earlier appellate court decisions

Question 7

Jurisdiction

Answer 7

A court’s power to hear a case

Question 8

Subject Matter Jurisdiction

Answer 8

A court has the authority to hear a particular type of case

Question 9

Personal Jurisdiction

Answer 9

The legal authority to require the defendant to stand trial, pay judgements, etc.

Question 10

Summons

Answer 10

The court’s written notice that a lawsuit has been filed against the defendant; must be delivered to the defendant when they are physically within the state in which the lawsuit is filed

Question 11

Long-arm Statute

Answer 11

Claim jurisdiction over someone who commits a tort, signs a contract, or conducts “regular business activities” in the state.

Question 12

Appeals Courts

Answer 12

Courts that have the right to review decisions of trial courts

Question 13

Appellant

Answer 13

Party filing the appeal

Question 14

Appelle

Answer 14

The party opposing the appeal

Question 15

Briefs

Answer 15

Written arguments on the case

Question 16

Federal Question

Answer 16

A case in which the claim is based on the United States Constitution, a federal statute, or a federal treaty