Supreme Court Of The U.S

Question 0

Civil Case

Answer 0

A legal action brought to enforce, redress, or protect a private or civil right

Question 1

Criminal Case

Answer 1

Legal action against an individual by the state for violating a law. These must be necessarily be punishable by imprisonment or fine

Question 2

Original jurisdiction

Answer 2

A courts power to hear and decide a matter before any other court can review the matter

Question 3

Appellate Jurisdiction

Answer 3

The power of a court to review and revise a lower courts decision or action

Question 4

Class Action Suit

Answer 4

A lawsuit where a single parson or a small group represents the interests of a larger group

Question 5

Senatorial courtesy

Answer 5

A custom in the Senate in which a nominee for a federal position will not be confirmed or even made if the senator or senators from the state from which they come don’t approve of the appointment

Question 6

District court

Answer 6

The federal trial court having jurisdiction within their district

Question 7

Writ of Certiorari

Answer 7

Legal document requesting the Supreme Court to hear a case

Question 8

Solicitor general

Answer 8

Official in the Department of Justice who is the actual attorney who represents the federal government before the Supreme Court and any other courts. He/she is the second highest ranking member in the department of justice

Question 9

Amicus Curiae Brief

Answer 9

Literally meaning friend of the court. This is a person who is not a party to a lawsuit but files a brief with the court because the person has a strong interest in the subject matter. Usually IG get involved here

Question 10

Majority opinion

Answer 10

An opinion joined in by more than half of the judges considering a legal case

Question 11

Concurring opinion

Answer 11

An opinion by one or more judge which agrees with the ultimate decision of the majority, but for different reasons

Question 12

Dissenting Opinion

Answer 12

An opinion by one or more judges who disagree with the decision reached by the majority

Question 13

Stare Decisis

Answer 13

Latin term meaning , “to stand by things decided”. This is the doctrine of precedent under which it is necessary for a court to follow earlier judicial decision when the same points are raised.

Question 14

Precedent

Answer 14

The concept that it is necessary for a court to follow earlier judicial decisions when the same points are raised in a case

Question 15

Standing

Answer 15

A party’s right to make a legal claim. To have standing in federal court it must be shown that the challenged conduct has caused the plaintiff actual injury and that there is in fact some established statutory remedy.

Question 16

Rule of Four

Answer 16

The conversation that for the certiorari to be granted by the U.S Supreme Court, four justices must be willing to hear the case

Question 17

Judicial Review

Answer 17

The courts Lowe to review the actions of other branches of government for constitutionality

Question 18

Plaintiff

Answer 18

The party to bring a suit or legal action in a court of law

Question 19

Defendant

Answer 19

The person being sued or charged in a legal action