Gov Vocab

dissent

when a judge disagrees with the decision made by a panel of judges (on which they are a member)

concur

when a judge agrees with the decision made by a panel of judges (on which they are a member)

tenure

the period of time a person holds a position (job or office)

statutory

law, a permanent rule (statute is the noun, statutory is the adjective)

ordinance

law, regulation, decree, statute, edict

precedent

a decision by a court which is then used as a “rule” to follow in later court decisions; an example for other courts to follow, though it is often binding

referendum

a law that is passed by the general population, as a yes or no vote

plaintiff

the person who brings legal action (sues) against another entity; used in civil court, typically in criminal proceedings

rankle

to cause keen irritation or bitter resentment in; fester, vex, irk, rile

predatory

excessive or exploitative

hearing

a brief court session that resolves a specific question before a trial takes place

bicameral

having two chambers (bodies/departments) in the legislature

fraught

anxious, distressed, tense

illusory

deceptive, misleading, fallacious, specious

compromised

accept standards that are lower than is desirable

prone

lying flat, often face down; prostrate

diminutive

unusually small

euphamism

a word or phrase used to avoid saying an unpleasant or offensive word

perforate

to poke a hole into; puncture, penetrate, pierce

incumbent

the official currently holding office

pat

without much thought, rehearsed

bill

a proposal, that is attempting to become a law

coalesce

to unite so as to form one mass; to grow together into one body

discretion

the power (or right) to decide or act according to one’s own judgment

sensual

inclined to gratify the physical senses; carnal; tending to arouse bodily appetites

platitude

a remark, especially one with a moral content, that has been used too often to be interesting or thoughtful

belligerent

an aggressively hostile attitude

insouciant

showing a casual lack of concern; indifference; just can’t be bothered

zeal

enthusiasm, dedication, gusto, motivation, intensity, fervor, eagerness, fanaticism

accoutrements

additional items of dress or equipment, or other items carried or worn by a person or used for a particular activity; accessory, trappings, kit, paraphernalia