American Chapter 8 Part 2

Opening Ceremony

judges enter and are seated based on seniority

Arguments

lawyers involved in the case give presentations based on submitted briefs

Amicus Curiae

“friend of the court”; briefs written in by individuals who aren’t parties in the case but have an interest in the outcome

Solicitor General

the lawyer for the U.S. government in any supreme Court case; currently Sarah Harris

Conference

Private meeting of the justices to discuss the cases they have heard

Sarah Harris

Who is the current Solicitor General

Opinions

Justices form their what at private meetings

Written

Judges interpreted the Constitution as it was what

Affect and change society

Justices use their powers for what

Elective abortions

What did a Texas law make a criminal offense

,

,

Opinion

A written decision that a justice makes on a case

Unanimous

all agree

Majority

split decision; vote passes

Concurring

gives reasons for voting with majority

Dissenting

gives reasons for not voting with the majority

Opinion Day

the presentation of opinions that the justices have made until that point

Judicial Restraint

For most of American history, judges interpreted the Constitution as it was written

Judicial Activism

“Beyond the Four corners of the Constitution”

Roe v. Wade

The Supreme Court declared unconstitutional a Texas law that made elective abortions criminal offenses except