gov courts vocab

Judicial Circuits

The 12 regional divisions of the federal court system, each with a U.S. Court of Appeals.

Courts of Appeal

Intermediate federal courts that review decisions of district courts and agencies.

District Courts

The general trial courts of the federal system where most federal cases begin.

Civil Law

Law that deals with disputes between individuals or organizations, often involving compensation.

Criminal Law

Law that deals with crimes and punishments for violations against the state or society.

Conference

A private meeting of justices to discuss and vote on cases.

Rule of Four

The principle that the Supreme Court will hear a case if four justices agree to grant certiorari.

Appellate Jurisdiction

The authority of a court to review decisions made by lower courts.

Original Jurisdiction

The authority of a court to hear a case first, before any other court.

Concurring Opinion

A separate opinion written by a justice who agrees with the majority outcome but for different legal reasons.

Dissenting Opinion

An opinion written by a justice who disagrees with the majority decision.

Majority Opinion

A judicial opinion agreed to by more than half the members of a court.

Amicus Curiae

"Friend of the court"; a brief submitted by someone not directly involved in the case to offer additional information.

Dockets

A court’s list of pending cases scheduled for hearing or trial.

Judicial Review

The power of the courts to declare laws or executive actions unconstitutional.

Stare Decisis

The legal principle of following established precedent in future similar cases.

Precedent

A prior court decision that serves as a rule for future cases with similar facts.

Common Law

A legal system based on custom and court rulings rather than written codes.

Judiciary

The system of courts that interprets and applies the law in the name of the state.