unit 4 govt

Judicial branch

The branch of government responsible for interpreting laws and administering justice

Interpretation

The process by which courts explain the meaning of laws and the Constitution

Legal heritage

The historical influences that shape a country’s legal system

Common law

A legal system based on precedent and court decisions rather than written codes

Precedent

A past court decision used as a guide for future cases

Stare decisis

The principle that courts should follow previous judicial decisions

Civil law

A legal system based on written codes and statutes

Religious law

A legal system based on religious beliefs and sacred texts

Jurisdiction

The authority of a court to hear and decide cases

Judicial review

The power of courts to declare laws or government actions unconstitutional

Original jurisdiction

The authority of a court to hear a case first

Appellate jurisdiction

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

Exclusive jurisdiction

The authority of only one court to hear a specific type of case

Concurrent jurisdiction

The authority of more than one court to hear the same type of case

Subject-matter jurisdiction

The authority of a court to hear a particular type of case

Geographic jurisdiction

The authority of a court to hear cases within a specific area

Judicial hierarchy

The organization of courts from lowest to highest authority

Dualism

A system where state and federal governments operate independently within their own power