Ch. 13 Overview of the Federal Courts and Judicial System

Criminal Law

Regulates conduct, defines crimes, specifies punishments.

Plaintiff

Party bringing charges in court.

Civil Law

Handles disputes without criminal penalties.

Monetary Damages

Financial compensation awarded in civil cases.

Contracts

Legally binding agreements between parties.

Torts

Civil wrongs causing harm or loss.

Precedent

Previous case principles guiding current decisions.

State Trial Court

First court to hear a state case.

Appellant

Party filing an appeal in court.

Plea Bargain

Agreement to plead guilty for reduced charges.

Federal Court Jurisdiction

Authority over federal laws and treaties.

Original Jurisdiction

Authority to hear a case initially.

Supreme Court Jurisdiction

Limited cases defined by Article III.

Appellate Jurisdiction

Authority to review decisions from lower courts.

Writ of Habeas Corpus

Court order to review detention legality.

Federal District Courts

Handle most original federal jurisdiction cases.

Court of Appeals

Reviews decisions from lower courts.

U.S. Supreme Court

Highest court with final constitutional interpretation.

Judicial Power

Authority vested in the Supreme Court.

Lifetime Appointments

Supreme Court justices serve for life.

Judicial Review

Power to invalidate unconstitutional laws.

Class-Action Suits

Legal action by a group with common interests.

Federal Judges

Nominated by president, confirmed by Senate.

Partisan Struggles

Political conflicts over judicial appointments.

Judicial Limitations

Courts cannot act without cases presented.

Judicial Expansion

Growth of court power post-World War II.

Senate Judiciary Committee

Reviews judicial nominees before full Senate.

Constitutional Interpretation

Supreme Court's role in understanding laws.

Marbury v. Madison

1803 case establishing judicial review.

Supremacy Clause

National laws superior to state laws.

Constitutionality of State Laws

Supreme Court reviews state laws for compliance.

Federal Agency Actions

Court reviews agency regulations for consistency.

Presidential Power

Federal courts uphold presidential authority in various realms.

Hamdi v. Rumsfeld

2004 case affirming judicial scrutiny of presidential actions.

Accessing the Supreme Court

Criteria for cases the Court will hear.

Standing

Parties must have substantial stake in case.

Mootness

Criterion for dismissing resolved cases.

Writ of Certiorari

Process to seek Supreme Court review.

Rule of Four

Four justices must agree to hear a case.

Certworthy Cases

Cases involving conflicting court decisions or federal law.

Solicitor General

Top lawyer influencing Supreme Court cases.

Law Clerks

Assist justices with research and opinions.

Lobbying for Access

Interest groups persuade justices for case consideration.

Amicus Curiae

Brief submitted by non-litigants to influence cases.

Supreme Court Preparation

Initial stage involving submission of briefs.

Oral Argument

Attorneys present cases and answer justices' questions.

Supreme Court Conference

Justices privately vote after oral arguments.

Majority Opinion

Written explanation of the Court's decision.

Concurring Opinion

Agreement with decision but differing reasoning.

Dissenting Opinion

Disagreement with majority, influencing future cases.

Shadow Docket

Emergency orders with expedited decision-making.

Stare Decisis

Following precedent in judicial decisions.

Judicial Restraint

Interpretation limited to Constitution's clear words.

Judicial Activism

Broader societal implications considered in rulings.

Institutional Interests

Justices protect Court's power and integrity.

Chief Justice Roberts

Notable for voting on key constitutional issues.