Judicial Branch Vocab Flashcards
Precedent
A case of issue decided by a court that can be used to help answer future legal questions
Judicial Review
The doctrine under which legislative and executive actions are subject to review by the judiciary
Stare Decisis
When a court has decided on something and sticks with that ruling
Grand Jury
A legal body that is empowered to conduct official proceedings to investigate criminal conduct and to determine charges
Petit Jury
A group chosen from the citizens of a district to try and question a fact
Habeas Corpus
Demands that a prisoner be taken before court and be determined of guilt or innocence
Common Law
A law developed by judges through decisions of courts and similar tribunals that decide individual cases
Misdemeanor
A minor wrongdoing
Felony
A serious crime
District Courts
The trial courts of the federal court system
Appellate Courts
The part of the judicial system that is responsible for hearing and reviewing appeals from legal cases that have already been heard.
Judicial Activism
Judicial rulings suspected of being based on personal or political considerations
