Judicial Branch (AP GOV)

Federal Judiciary

The body of courts responsible for interpreting and enforcing federal laws in the United States, culminating with the Supreme Court.

Supreme Court

The top court in the U.S. with final authority on constitutional and federal law interpretations.

Original Jurisdiction

The power of a court to hear a case first, without it being appealed from another court.

Appellate Jurisdiction

The authority of a court to review and change the decisions of lower courts.

Judicial Review

The judiciary's power, established by the case of Marbury v. Madison, to evaluate the constitutionality of laws and executive actions.

Precedent

A legal standard set by prior court decisions that guides how similar future cases are to be decided.

Stare Decisis

The principle that courts should adhere to established precedents in making their rulings.

Majority Opinion

The official verdict from a court's decision, supported by more than half of the judges.

Concurring Opinion

A written statement by a judge who agrees with the majority ruling but offers different reasons or highlights specific aspects.

Dissenting Opinion

A written opinion by a judge who disagrees with the majority decision, offering alternative viewpoints that may affect future cases.

Judicial Restraint

A judicial philosophy advocating minimal interference by judges in legislative and executive activities unless necessary.

Judicial Activism

A judicial approach where judges interpret laws broadly, often leading to new policies or societal changes.

Article III of the Constitution

Establishes the Judicial Branch, the Supreme Court, and allows Congress to create lower federal courts.

Federalist No. 78

Written by Alexander Hamilton, it argues for judicial independence, life tenure, and the power of judicial review.

Marbury v. Madison

Landmark case that established judicial review, giving courts the power to strike down laws as unconstitutional.

Checks and Balances

System in which each branch of government can limit the powers of the others to prevent tyranny.

What is an example of checks and balances?

Congress confirms judicial appointments; the president nominates justices.

District Courts

The lowest level of federal courts, where cases are first heard.

The Courts of Appeal

Intermediate federal courts that review decisions from district courts.

Supreme Court

The highest federal court in the United States, with ultimate judicial authority

Amicus Curiae Brief

Friend of the court" briefs filed by outside parties to influence the court’s decision.

Supremacy Clause

establishes that federal law takes precedence over state laws and constitutions.

SCOTUS opinions

Written explanations of the Court’s decisions. Includes majority, concurring, and dissenting opinions.

Strict Constructionist Judge

A judge who interprets the Constitution literally, adhering closely to its text and original intent.

Loose Constructionist Judge

A judge who interprets the Constitution more flexibly, allowing for broader application of its principles to contemporary issues.

Writ of Certiorari

A formal request for the Supreme Court to review a lower court's decision.