Ch 11 The Federal Court System

Chapter 11

concurrent jurisdiction

the authority of different courts to hear the same case. This occurs when both state and federal courts have jurisdiction over a particular legal issue.

Original jurisdiction

the authority of a court to hear a case for the first time

Appellate jurisdiction

the authority of a court to review the decisions of lower courts.

Litigant

a party involved in a lawsuit or legal dispute.

due process clause

a constitutional guarantee that legal proceedings will be fair and that individuals will be given notice and an opportunity to be heard.

grand jury

A group of citizens convened to determine whether there is enough evidence to indict a suspect and proceed to trial.

indictment

A formal charge or accusation of a serious crime, issued by a grand jury, indicating that there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial.

petit jury

A jury that hears evidence and makes a decision in a legal case, usually in a criminal or civil trial.

judicial circuit

A geographical division of the federal court system that allows each circuit to hear appeals from district courts and certain administrative agencies.

senatorial courtesy

A traditional practice where the President consults with Senators from a state before appointing federal judges to that state's district courts, respecting their preferences.

riding the circuit

The practice of judges traveling to different locations within their judicial circuit to hold court sessions for cases in various districts.

opinion

A formal statement by a judge or a court detailing the reasons for a particular judgment or decision.