AP GOV 2.7-2.11

Stare Decisis

The legal principle of adhering to precedents set by previous court rulings, ensuring consistency and stability in the law.

Precedent

A legal case that establishes a rule or principle used in future cases, guiding judicial decisions.

Ideological changes on the Court

refer to shifts in judicial philosophies or principles that influence how justices interpret laws and make decisions, potentially affecting the direction of legal outcomes.

Judicial Activism

A judicial philosophy that advocates for proactive rulings by the court, often involving the interpretation of the Constitution to promote social justice or policy changes.

Judicial Restraint 

A judicial philosophy that encourages courts to limit their power, deferring to the decisions made by the legislative and executive branches unless they clearly violate the Constitution.

Legislation to modify or impact SCOTUS decision’s impacts 

existing laws and policies.

New Amendment

proposed changes to the Constitution that address specific legal or social issues.

Judicial appointments to change courts

processes by which the president nominates judges to the federal judiciary, influencing court ideology and decisions.

Legislation that limits courts jurisdiction

laws that restrict the authority of courts to hear certain cases or interpret specific issues.

Jurisdiction

the legal authority of a court to hear and decide cases. It defines the scope of a court's power over particular types of disputes.

Original Jurisdiction

the authority of a court to hear a case for the first time, as opposed to appellate jurisdiction, which is the power to review decisions made by lower courts.

Appellate Jurisdiction 

the authority of a court to review and revise the decision of a lower court.

Marbury v. Madison 

a landmark Supreme Court case that established the principle of judicial review, allowing courts to invalidate laws that are found to be unconstitutional.

Judicial Opinions

Majority, Concurring, Dissenting

Holding

Legally binding

Rationale

The reasoning behind a court's decision in a case, explaining the legal principles applied and supporting the outcome.

Briefs 

Submitted ahead of time 

Oral Arguments

What happens LIVE AT SCOTUS