Supreme Court

Judicial Review

The power of the Supreme Court to determine the constitutionality of laws.

Original Jurisdiction

The authority of the Supreme Court to hear certain types of cases first, such as those involving disputes between states.

Appellate Jurisdiction

The authority of the Supreme Court to review decisions made by lower courts.

Checks and Balances

The system in which each branch of government can limit the powers of the other branches.

Writ of Certiorari

An order by the Supreme Court directing a lower court to send up the records of a case for review.

Majority Opinion

The official ruling of the Supreme Court that explains the decision.

Concurring Opinion

A written opinion by a justice who agrees with the majority but for different reasons.

Dissenting Opinion

A written opinion by a justice who disagrees with the Court's decision.

Restraint

The judicial philosophy that courts should defer to the decisions of the legislative and executive branches.

Activism

The judicial philosophy that judges should consider changing social values and conditions when interpreting the law.