The Supreme Court

Question 1

Senatorial Courtesy

Answer 1

An unwritten tradition whereby the Senate will not confirm nominations for lower court positions that are opposed by a senator of the president’s own party from the state in which the nominee is to serve.

Question 2

Writ of Certiorari

Answer 2

An order by the Supreme Court directing a lower court to send up the record in a given case for its review.

Question 3

Rule of Four

Answer 3

The Supreme Court will hear a case is four justices agree to do so.

Question 4

Solicitor General

Answer 4

The solicitor general is responsible for handling all appeals on behalf of the United States government to the Supreme Court.

Question 5

Amicus Curiae Brief

Answer 5

A “friend of the court” brief filed by an interest group or interested party to influence a Supreme Court decision.

Question 6

State Decisis

Answer 6

State decisis is a Latin phrase meaning “let the decision stand.” The vast majority of Supreme Court decisions are based on the precedents established in earlier cases.

Question 7

Judicial Restraint

Answer 7

Philosophy that the Supreme Court should use precedent and the Framers’ original intent to decide cases.

Question 8

Judicial Activism

Answer 8

Philosophy that the Supreme Court must correct injustices when other branches of government or the states refuse to do so.

Question 9

Appellate Jurisdiction

Answer 9

The authority of a court to hear an appeal from a lower court.