judicial

Amicus Curiae Brief

A legal document filed by a non-party, typically an interested individual or organization, to provide information or perspective in a case before a court.

Appellate Jurisdiction

The authority of a court to hear appeals from lower courts or other tribunals.

Attorney General

The chief legal officer and head of the U.S. Department of Justice, responsible for representing the federal government in legal matters and advising the President.

Binding Precedent

A legal decision or precedent that must be followed by lower courts in the same jurisdiction.

Borked

A term derived from the unsuccessful Supreme Court nomination of Robert Bork in 1987, meaning to obstruct or defeat a nominee through an organized public campaign.

Certiorari

A writ issued by a higher court to review a decision of a lower court.

Concurring Opinion

An opinion issued by a judge who agrees with the majority's decision but for different reasons.

Dissenting Opinion

An opinion issued by a judge or judges who disagree with the majority's decision.

Judicial Activism

The judicial philosophy that encourages judges to interpret the Constitution and laws in a way that addresses contemporary issues and adapts to societal changes.

Judicial Restraint

The judicial philosophy that argues for a more limited role for judges, urging them to defer to the legislative and executive branches and adhere closely to precedent.

Judicial Review

The power of a court to review and potentially invalidate laws or government actions that are deemed unconstitutional.

Liberal Constructionists

Those who interpret the Constitution and laws in a way that allows for flexibility and adaptation to changing circumstances.

Majority Opinion

The written opinion of the majority of judges in a case, explaining the rationale behind the court's decision.

Marbury vs. Madison

A landmark U.S. Supreme Court case (1803) that established the principle of judicial review, asserting the Court's authority to review the constitutionality of government actions.

Nuclear Option

In the context of the U.S. Senate, a procedural maneuver to change Senate rules, particularly related to filibusters or the confirmation of nominees, by a simple majority vote.

Original Jurisdiction

The authority of a court to hear a case for the first time, as opposed to appellate jurisdiction, which involves reviewing decisions from lower courts.

Persuasive Precedent

A legal decision or precedent from another jurisdiction or a different court that is not binding but may be considered in reaching a decision.

Precedent

A legal decision or case that serves as an authoritative example in subsequent similar cases.

Rule of Four

The practice by which the Supreme Court agrees to hear a case if at least four justices vote in favor of it.

Senatorial Courtesy

A tradition in the U.S. Senate where the President consults with the senators of a nominee's home state before making certain judicial appointments.

Standing

The legal right to bring a case or participate in a legal proceeding, typically requiring a direct and specific injury.

Stare Decisis

Latin for "to stand by things decided." It refers to the principle of following precedent and adhering to previous legal decisions.

Strict Constructionists

Those who interpret the Constitution and laws narrowly, giving them a more literal and limited interpretation.