S2 District Assessment Study Guide

Judicial Branch

Has the power to interpret the law, determine the constitutionality of the law, and apply the law to individual cases.

Rule of Law

All people are treated equally under the law and no one is above the law, regardless of status.

Dual Courts

Refers to the separation between the federal court system and the state courts.

Judicial Review

The power of the courts to examine government actions for consistency with the constitution, established by Marbury vs Madison.

The Supreme Court of Maryland

The highest court in the State of Maryland.

1st Amendment

Guarantees rights such as free speech.

4th Amendment

Protects against unreasonable searches or seizures.

5th Amendment

Guarantees the right against self-incrimination and requires police to read Miranda rights.

6th Amendment

Guarantees the right to legal representation.

8th Amendment

Prohibits excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishments.

14th Amendment

Includes the Equal Protection Clause, ensuring no state shall abridge the privileges of citizens.

Prosecutor

The person who accuses someone of a crime and seeks to prove that the accused is guilty.

Defendant

The person accused of a crime.

Subpoena

A writ ordering an individual to come to court.

Habeas Corpus

A legal procedure allowing a prisoner to challenge their sentence.

Burden of Proof

The obligation of the government to provide evidence that the defendant committed a crime.

Indictment

A formal accusation that someone has committed a crime.

Plea Bargain (Criminal)

An agreement between the defendant and prosecutor to reduce the defendant's punishment.

Sentence

Confinement as a penalty for being convicted of a crime.

Plaintiff

The person who brings a case to court.

Mediation

A negotiation facilitated by a third party that is only final if all parties agree.

Settlement

An agreement that resolves a legal dispute.

Preponderance of Evidence

The standard of evidence in civil trials indicating something is more likely true than not.

Plea Bargain (Civil)

An agreement where prosecutors agree to reduce the defendant's punishment.

Deposition

The process of taking a witness' testimony outside of court.

McDonald vs. Chicago

Established that the 14th Amendment applies the 2nd Amendment right to bear arms for self-defense to the states.

Baker vs. Carr

Informed that the 14th Amendment's Equal Protection Clause requires proper representation according to population.

US vs. Nixon

Unanimous decision affirming the rule of law over presidential privilege.

Brown vs. Board of Ed.

Declared that separate but equal education violates the Equal Protection clause of the 14th Amendment.

New Jersey vs. TLO

Established that school administrations can conduct searches with reasonable suspicion under the 4th Amendment.