the judiciary gov rdg check

Amicus Curiae

A brief submitted by a third party, not directly involved in the case, to provide additional perspectives or arguments.

Class-Action Suit

A lawsuit filed on behalf of a group of people with similar grievances against a common defendant.

Standing

The legal right to initiate a lawsuit, requiring a party to demonstrate sufficient connection to and harm from the law or action challenged.

Writ of Certiorari

An order by a higher court directing a lower court to send the record in a given case for review.

Per Curiam Opinion

A brief, unsigned court opinion issued by an appellate court.

Opinion of the Court

A signed opinion by the majority of the Supreme Court justices.

Concurring Opinion

An opinion written by a justice who agrees with the majority decision but for different reasons.

Dissenting Opinion

An opinion written by one or more justices expressing disagreement with the majority opinion.

Stare Decisis

The legal principle of determining points in litigation according to precedent.

Political Question

An issue that the Supreme Court will allow the executive and legislative branches to decide, rather than adjudicating it.

Judicial Activism

A philosophy that judges should interpret the Constitution and laws broadly, and can impose remedies that affect more than just the parties involved.

Judicial Restraint

A philosophy that judges should limit their own power and interpret the law strictly, avoiding policy-making.

Judicial Review

The power of courts to declare laws unconstitutional.

Judicial Remedy

A judicial order enforcing a right or redressing a wrong.

Solicitor General

The third-ranking official in the Department of Justice who represents the federal government before the Supreme Court.

Precedent

An earlier event or action that is regarded as an example or guide to be considered in subsequent similar circumstances.

Federal Jurisdiction

The authority of federal courts to hear cases involving federal law or constitutional issues.

Majority Opinion

The official opinion of the court that reflects the views of more than half of the justices.

Judicial Policy Making

When courts interpret laws in significant ways, affecting public policy and social issues.

Fee Shifting

A legal provision that allows a prevailing party to recover their attorney's fees from the losing party.

Litigation

The process of taking legal action.

Judicial Independence

The principle that the judiciary should be independent from the other branches of government and free from political pressures.

Constitutional Amendment

A formal change to the Constitution, which can be used to overturn Supreme Court decisions.

Busing as a Remedy

Court-ordered practice intended to achieve racial balance in schools by transporting students between different districts.