Judicial Branch Vocab

Question 1

Judicial Restraint

Answer 1

The judicial practice that encourages judges to not add their own biases during legal proceedings and rulings and using explicitly the language from the constitution.

Question 2

Judicial activism

Answer 2

Judges making rulings based on their policy views rather than the honest interpretation of the law

Question 3

Constitutional Courts

Answer 3

A high court that deals with constitutional law

Question 4

District Courts

Answer 4

A federal or state trial court

Question 5

Court of Appeals

Answer 5

or an appellate court which is a court of law that reviews decisions made by lower courts

Question 6

Supreme Court

Answer 6

The highest federal court consists of 9 justices. They are the final interpreters of the US Constitution.

Question 7

Legislative Courts

Answer 7

Special courts only hear about specific cases like tax disputes or military appeals. It’s usually so the regular courts are not overloaded with cases.
- Judges in legislative terms have fixed terms.

Question 8

Litmus test

Answer 8

When a potential candidate for high office is asked a question, the answer will determine whether the nominating official will proceed with the appointment or nomination.

Question 9

Judicial Review

Answer 9

The power granted to the judicial branch to oversee and judge laws passed by Congress and determine whether they’re constitutional or unconstitutional.

Question 10

Write of Certiorari

Answer 10

A legal order issued by a higer court to review the decision of a lower court

Question 11

Plaintiff

Answer 11

A person who brings a case to court

Question 12

Standing

Answer 12

The legal right of a party to bring a lawsuit or make a legal claim

Question 13

Precedent

Answer 13

An earlier event or action that is viewed as an example or guideline to be considered in similar cases.

• a principle or rule established in a previous legal case that is regarded as binding on courts when deciding similar cases

Question 14

Class-Action Suit

Answer 14

A type of legal action where a group of individuals collectively brings a lawsuit against someone

Question 15

Original Jurisdiction

Answer 15

A court has the power to hear a case for the first time

Question 16

Appellate Jurisdiction

Answer 16

Refers to a court’s authority to review decisions made by lower courts

Question 17

Brief

Answer 17

Legal document submitted to a court that presents arguments, legal analysis, and supporting evidence

Question 18

Amicus Curiae Brief

Answer 18

A written argument submitted to a court to assist one side of the case

Question 19

Opinion of the Court/Majority Opinion

Answer 19

The written decision issued by the majority of members of a court who participated in deciding a case

Question 20

Concurring Opinion

Answer 20

A written statement from one or more justices or judges which support the results of the case for reasons not stated in the majority opinion.

Question 21

Dissenting Opinion

Answer 21

A written statement issued by a judge or justice who disagrees with the majority decision

Question 22

Stare Decisis

Answer 22

Refers to the practice of courts following the precedent

“Let things stand the way things are”

Question 23

Rule of Four

Answer 23

A procedure used by the Supreme Court to grant a petition for review only if there are at least four votes to do so

Question 24

Amendment

Answer 24

An official change or addition made to a legal document, law, or contract.