Judicial Branch

Writs of Certiorari

Requests for lower courts to send up records of cases for review; SCOTUS is not obligated to accept them.

Senatorial Courtesy

A practice where senators from the state of a judicial vacancy make recommendations, typically aligned with the same political party.

Amicus Curiae

Briefs filed by non-litigants, known as ‘friends of the court,’ to provide additional information or argument for consideration.

Stare Decisis

The legal principle of deference to past court interpretations and precedents for predictability.

Nomination Process

The method by which judges are nominated, involving selection, vetting, and a Senate confirmation vote.

Life Tenure

Judges hold their positions for life, subject to good behavior, reducing the frequency of appointments.

Concurring Opinion

An opinion by a justice who agrees with the majority’s outcome but not necessarily its rationale.

Judicial Philosophy: Originalist vs. Living Document

Originalist interprets the Constitution based on its original meaning, while Living Document views it as a document that evolves.

Cert Pool

A system where clerks of justices divide certiorari petitions to draft recommendations regarding their acceptance.

Circuit Courts

Federal courts that review decisions from district courts; classified not only geographically but also by subject matter.

Chief Justice

The head justice of the Supreme Court who speaks first during conferences and plays a key role in judicial administration.

Majority Opinion

The official statement of the court that represents the views of the majority of the justices.