The Federal Judiciary

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the lecture on the federal judiciary.

Judicial Review

Power of a court to declare acts and actions of other public officials unconstitutional, nullifying laws favored by the majority.

Judicial Objectivity

The belief that judges make objective decisions based solely on the Constitution, laws, and facts.

Legal Model of Judicial Decision Making

A framework where judges make decisions based on legal rules, procedures, and norms without personal bias.

Attitudinal Model of Judicial Decision Making

The theory that justices' votes are influenced by their personal attitudes and ideologies, beyond just legal considerations.

Judicial Restraint

Judicial philosophy advocating that judges should follow precedents and avoid overturning actions of elected policymakers unless they violate the Constitution.

Judicial Activism

Judicial philosophy where judges are seen as acting to advance their own policy preferences by overturning precedents or striking down legislative actions.

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

A landmark case that established the principle of judicial review in the United States.

Political Influences on Judicial Appointments

Factors such as party affiliation, ideology, geography, and personal background that affect the appointment of justices.

Stare Decisis

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

Judicial Independence

The concept that the judiciary should be independent from the other branches of government in order to prevent political influence on legal decisions.

Impeachment

A powerful but rarely used check on the courts that allows Congress to remove justices for misconduct.

Self-restraint

The practice by judges to limit their own power, adhering to norms and legal doctrines to maintain impartiality.