Judiciary Branch

Marbury v. Madison

A landmark Supreme Court case (1803) that established the principle of judicial review in the United States.

Judicial Review

The power of courts to examine and invalidate actions of the legislative and executive branches if those actions are found to be unconstitutional.

Amicus Curiae Brief

Legal documents filed in court cases by non-parties who have a strong interest in the case's outcome.

Appellate Jurisdiction

The authority of a court to review and make decisions on appeals from lower courts.

Court of Appeals

A court that has the authority to review and revise the decisions made by lower courts.

Judicial Activism

The practice where judges take an active role in interpreting the law and making decisions to create or change legal precedents.

Judicial Restraint

A legal philosophy that encourages judges to limit their own power and uphold established laws and precedents.

Living Constitutionalism

The belief that the Constitution's basic structure stays the same but grows and adjusts with changing society.

Originalism

A legal philosophy that interprets the Constitution based on the original meaning or intent of its framers.

Precedent

Legal decisions or rulings that establish a principle or rule that can be followed in future cases.

Writ of Certiorari

An order issued by a higher court to review the decisions of a lower court.

Stare Decisis

A legal principle that means 'to stand by things decided,' emphasizing the importance of precedent.

Majority Opinions

A judicial opinion agreed to by more than half of the court's members, explaining the reasoning behind their decision.

Criminal Law

Legal proceedings in which individuals accused of committing crimes are tried in a court of law.

Civil Law

Legal disputes between individuals or organizations where compensation or performance is sought.

Subpoena

A court order for documents.

Injunction

A writ granted by a court requiring one to do or refrain from doing a specified act.

Indictment

A formal written statement charging a person with a crime, returned by a jury.

Solicitor General

An official who supervises and conducts government litigation.

Standing

Issues capable of being settled as a matter of law.

Dissenting Opinions

Statements written by judges expressing disagreement with the majority opinion of the court.

Concurring Opinions

Legal opinions written by judges who agree with the majority but for different reasons.

Trial Court

A court's authority to hear cases of a particular kind.

Senatorial Courtesy

An unwritten tradition where senators support the president's nominees from their home state unless there are strong objections.

Dual Court System

The coexistence of two separate court systems in the United States: federal and state.