Judicial Branch Terms Flashcards
Courts that review decisions made by lower courts to determine if legal errors were made
Appellate Courts
Courts where cases are initially heard and deciding. Involving presentation of evidence and witnesses.
Trial Courts
To uphold or change a lower court’s decision, respectively, in an appellate review
Affirm/Reverse
The philosophy that judges should defer to the elected branches of government and avoid making broad constitutional interpretations
Judicial Restraint
A written opinion by a justice who disagrees with the majority’s decision
Dissenting Opinion
A principle that requires at least four Supreme Court justices to agree to hear a case
Rule of Four
A written opinion of the court that reflects the views of the majority of the justices
Majority Opinion
A written opinion by a justice who agrees with the majority’s decision, but for different reasons
Concurring Opinion
The legal principle of determining points in litigation according to precedent
Stare Decisis
A case involving disputes between individuals or entities, typically over rights, contracts, or damages
Civil Case
The authority of a court to review and revise the decision of a lower court
Appellate Jurisdiction
When judges interpret the Constitution and laws in a way that actively shapes public policy or adopts them to contemporary issues
Judicial Activism
The person or party who initiates a lawsuit by filing a complaint
Plaintiff
A case in which a person is charged with violating the law, resulting in penalties like imprisonment or fines
Criminal Case
An order issued by an appellate court to review the decision of a lower court
Writ of Certioari
