Checks on the Judiciary (copy)

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.