Judicial Branch (vocab)

Question 1

Case involving a noncriminal matter (such as a contract dispute or a claim of patent infringement)

Answer 1

Civil Case

Question 2

Opinion which is in agreement with the decision that the Court made, but which bases that opinion on different reasons

Answer 2

Concurring Opinion

Question 3

Case in which a defendant is tried for committing a crime as defined by the law

Answer 3

Criminal Case

Question 4

The person against whom a court action is brought by a plaintiff (civil case), or the person who is charged with the crime (criminal case)

Answer 4

Defendant

Question 5

Opinion written by a justice who does not agree with the Court’s decision (explains the reasons why not)

Answer 5

Dissenting Opinion

Question 6

A court’s list of cases to be heard

Answer 6

Docket

Question 7

The lower federal courts, under the Supreme Court

Answer 7

Inferior Courts

Question 8

Power of a court to determine the constitutionality of a governmental action

Answer 8

Judicial Review

Question 9

Authority of a court to hear a case

Answer 9

Jurisdiction

Question 10

Opinion on which the decision of the Court is based (identifies the issues in the case and the reasons for the decision)

Answer 10

Majority Opinion

Question 11

(in a civil case) The party who brings a suit or some other legal action against another (the defendant) in court

Answer 11

Plaintiff

Question 12

Court decision that stands as an example to be followed in future, similar cases

Answer 12

Precedent