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Legislative Control
The power of the legislative branch to influence the judiciary, including the control over the number of courts and justices.
Judiciary Act of 1789
Established the basic three-tiered structure of the federal court system and set the number of justices at six.
FDR Court Packing Scheme
Effort by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to increase the number of Supreme Court justices to gain favorable rulings for New Deal legislation.
Dred Scott Case
Supreme Court ruling that determined slaves were not citizens and could not sue in federal courts.
14th Amendment
Defines citizenship and protects against state infringement of individual rights.
Rule of Four
Requirement that at least four justices must agree to hear a case before it goes to the Supreme Court.
Writ of Certiorari
A request for the Supreme Court to review a lower court's decision.
Amicus Curiae Briefs
Documents submitted by interested parties to provide information and arguments for the court's consideration.
Original Jurisdiction
The authority of a court to hear a case for the first time.
Appellate Jurisdiction
The authority of a court to review the decisions of lower courts.
Judicial Review
The power of the courts to review acts of Congress and determine their constitutionality.
Types of Law: Criminal
Laws that define crimes against public order and prescribe punishments.
Types of Law: Civil
Laws that govern the conduct and relationships between individuals or groups.
District Courts
The trial courts of the federal court system, each state having at least one district court.
Courts of Appeal
Intermediate appellate courts that review decisions from district courts.
Federalist 78
A document by Alexander Hamilton arguing for lifetime tenure in order to ensure judicial independence.
Judicial Independence
The concept that the judiciary should remain independent from other branches of government to protect individual rights.
Majority Opinion
An opinion that represents the views of the majority of the justices on a case.
Concurring Opinion
An opinion written by a justice who agrees with the majority's decision but offers different reasons.
Dissenting Opinion
An opinion written by justices who disagree with the majority ruling.
Lifetime Tenure
Judges serve for life, providing stability and insulation from political pressures.
U.S. Attorney
The federal prosecutor in each district, nominated by the President.
Supreme Court Justices
The highest court in the United States, consisting of 8 associate justices and one chief justice.
Note 
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