Chapter 1-2: The Inferior Courts and The Supreme Court

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the notes on the Inferior Courts and the Supreme Court.

Nine justices (current size of the U.S. Supreme Court)

The Supreme Court currently has nine justices.

Inferior Courts

Lower federal courts created to hear cases before the Supreme Court, including the district courts and circuit (appellate) courts.

District Courts

The federal trial courts where most federal cases begin.

Circuit Courts

The federal appellate courts in the original system; later renamed Courts of Appeals.

Jurisdiction

The authority of a court to hear and decide a case.

Constitutional crisis

A political-constitutional crisis that arises when one branch refuses to enforce or comply with a ruling (e.g., a president not enforcing a Supreme Court decision).