Judicial Branch Flashcards
Defendant (Criminal)
Person who if being accused of wrongdoing by the government.
Misdemeanor
A criminal offense that is punishable by fines or short jail sentences.
Who does the prosecution represent?
The People (Government)
Dissenting Opinion
A Supreme Court Justice writes their personal opinion of why the disagreed with the Majority decision.
Appellate Court
Reviews a case to look for errors in law made by the original court. Does not retry the case.
What kind of jurisdiction does the Supreme Court have?
Original and Appellate
Felony
A serious crime, a conviction for a felony typically results in extended prison time, or even the death penalty.
Plaintiff
Person who files the lawsuit in a civil trial.
Marbury vs. Madison
First landmark Supreme Court case, solidified the Court’s right to Judicial Review.
Grandy Jury
Decides if the prosecution (government) has enough evidence against the accused to require a trial.
Beyond a Reasonable Doubt
Doesn’t mean proven with absolute certainty but rather no reasonable explanation for what happened other than the accused did it.
Majority Opinion
A Supreme Court Justice writes the opinion of the majority of the Court. In other words the winning decision’s reasoning.
What is the reasoning for setting bail?
To ensure the accused will return for trial.
Judicial Restraint
Judges who believe they apply the law and don’t create them.
Docket
A list of cases before the Supreme Court.
Search Warrant
Must be obtained by a judge to search a suspects house or other personal property.
Defendant (Civil)
Person who is being sued in a civil trial.
How many women are currently on the Supreme Court?
3 - first time ever!
How does someone become a federal judge?
Presidential Appointment
Concurring Opinion
A Supreme Court Justice writes their personal opinion of why they agreed/disagreed with the other justice’s decisions.
Gideon vs. Wainwright
Established a precedent that all defendants are entitled to an attorney even if they cannot afford one.
Judicial Activism
Judges who try to change precedent by court ruling.
Who is responsible the verdict in a court case?
The Jury
