Unit 5 - All Lessons/Notes

National Judiciary

The system of courts that interprets and applies the law at a national level.

Jurisdiction

The authority of a court to hear a case, determined by subject matter or the parties involved.

Exclusive Jurisdiction

Cases that can only be heard in federal courts.

Concurrent Jurisdiction

Cases that can be heard by both federal and state courts.

Original Jurisdiction

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

Appellate Jurisdiction

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

Judicial Restraint

The philosophy that judges should decide cases based on the original intent of the Constitution.

Judicial Activism

The philosophy that judges should interpret the Constitution based on current values and conditions.

Impeachment

The process of removing a judge from office through formal charges.

District Courts

Federal courts that have original jurisdiction in most federal cases and conduct jury trials.

Court of Appeals

Federal courts designed to relieve the Supreme Court by hearing appeals from district courts.

Docket

The list of cases to be heard by a court.

En Banc

A session where the entire panel of judges participates in a case.

Judicial Review

The power of the Supreme Court to decide the constitutionality of government acts.

Writ of Certiorari

An order by the Supreme Court directing a lower court to send up records of a case for review.

Amicus Briefs

Documents submitted to a court by non-parties with a strong interest in the case's outcome.

Majority Opinion

The official statement of the court that announces the decision and reasoning.

Concurring Opinion

A written opinion by a justice who agrees with the decision but not the reasoning.

Dissenting Opinion

A written opinion by justices who disagree with the majority's decision.

Stare Decisis

The legal principle of determining points in litigation according to precedent.

Civil Liberties

Protections against government actions, including freedoms of speech, religion, and fair trial.

Civil Rights

Positive government actions aimed at ensuring equal rights for all individuals.

Due Process

The principle that the government must respect all legal rights owed to a person.

Substantive Due Process

Focuses on the policies or content of governmental action.

Procedural Due Process

Focuses on the procedures followed by the government.

Police Power

The authority of states to enact laws to protect public health, safety, morals, and welfare.

Civil Rights Act of 1964

Landmark legislation that outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Voting Rights Act of 1965

Legislation that aimed to eliminate various forms of voting discrimination.

Affirmative Action

Policies that encourage the hiring and promotion of underrepresented groups.

Quotas

Rules requiring a certain number of jobs or promotions for specific groups.

Bakke Case

A landmark Supreme Court decision on affirmative action regarding college admissions.

Equal Pay Act of 1963

Legislation requiring equal pay for equal work regardless of sex.

Title IX

Federal law prohibiting discrimination based on sex in any federally funded education program.

Colorblind Constitution

The interpretation of the Equal Protection Clause to eliminate racial distinctions.

Race Conscious

The view that the Equal Protection Clause bans harmful policies but allows beneficial ones for minorities.

Supreme Court Justices

Judges appointed to the Supreme Court, confirmed by the Senate, with influential decisions.

Inferior Courts

Lower federal courts established beneath the Supreme Court.

Appellate Courts

Courts that review and appeal decisions from lower courts.

Original Jurisdiction of District Courts

The initial authority to hear federal cases, including both civil and criminal matters.

Role of the Solicitor General

Represents the United States in cases before the Supreme Court and determines which cases to appeal.

Judicial Appointments

Process by which the President appoints federal judges, confirmed by the Senate.

Retirement Eligibility for Federal Judges

Judges can retire with full salary after 10 years of service at age 70 or 15 years at age 65.

Court Officers

Administrative staff assisting in court operations, including clerks and bailiffs.

Chief Justice Salary

$223,500 per year.

Associate Justice Salary

$213,900 per year.

Federal Judge Salary

$174,000 per year.

Judicial Confirmation Process

The procedure where federal judges are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate.

Supreme Court Decision-Making Process

Involves hearing oral arguments, reviewing briefs, and debating before issuing an opinion.

Precedents in Law

Established principles that guide judicial decision-making in similar cases.

Judicial Independence

The principle that courts should not be influenced by other branches of government.

Court Structure in the U.S.

Includes the Supreme Court, Appeals Courts, and District Courts within the federal judiciary.

Civil Case

Legal disputes between individuals where one party seeks compensation from another.

Criminal Case

A legal proceeding against an individual accused of committing a crime.

Federalism and the Judiciary

The division of authority between federal and state courts within the U.S. legal system.

Amendments related to Civil Rights

Constitutional changes aimed at abolishing slavery, ensuring citizenship, and protecting voting rights.

Congressional Role in Judiciary

Congress creates inferior courts and has oversight of the judicial appointment process.

Impeachment of Judges

A formal process to remove judges from office for misconduct or crimes.

Judicial Philosophy

The approach a judge takes when interpreting the law, including originalism and living constitutionalism.

Public Interest in Judicial Cases

The involvement of individuals or groups with a vested interest in judicial outcomes.

Senate's Role in Judicial Appointments

The Senate confirms or rejects the President’s nominees for federal judges.

Judicial Review Established

Even though it is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution, it is a fundamental power of the courts.