Ch. 13 ap gov asldk;fhw;oeifawnsldfkalekfwe

Adversary system

A judicial system in which the court of law is a neutral arena where two parties argue their differences

Amicus curiae brief

Literally, a “friend of the court” brief, filed by an individual or organization to present arguments in addition to those presented by the immediate parties to a case

Appellate jurisdiction

The authority of a court to review decisions made by lower courts

Civil law

A law that governs relationships between individuals and defines their legal rights

Concurring opinion

An opinion that agrees with the majority in a Supreme Court ruling but differs on the reasoning

Court of appeals

A court with appellate jurisdiction that hears appeals from the decisions of lower courts

Criminal law

A law that defines crimes against the public order

Defendant

In a criminal action, the person or party accused of an offense

Dissenting opinion

An opinion disagreeing with a majority in a Supreme Court ruling

District courts

Courts in which criminal and civil cases are originally tried in the federal judicial system

Docket

The list of potential cases that reach the Supreme Court

In forma pauperis

A petition that allows a party to file as a pauper and avoid paying court fees

Judicial activism

Philosophy proposing that judges should interpret the Constitution to reflect current conditions and values

Judicial restraint

Philosophy proposing that judges should interpret the Constitution to reflect what the framers intended and what its words literally say

Judicial review

The power of a court to refuse to enforce a law or government regulation that conflicts with the Constitution

Justiciable dispute

A dispute growing out of an actual case or controversy capable of settlement by legal methods

Opinion of the Court

An explanation of the decision of the Supreme Court or any other appellate court

Original jurisdiction

The authority of a court to hear a case in the first instance

Plaintiff

The party instigating a civil lawsuit

Plea bargain

Agreement between a prosecutor and a defendant to plead guilty to a lesser offense to avoid trial for a more serious offense

Precedent

A decision made by a higher court that is binding on lower courts

Prosecutor

Government lawyer who tries criminal cases

Public defender system

Arrangement where public officials provide legal assistance to those unable to hire attorneys

Senatorial courtesy

Presidential custom of submitting judicial nominees for approval to senators from the nominee’s state

Solicitor general

The official who represents the United States before the Supreme Court

Stare decisis

The rule of precedent where past decisions guide future rulings

Supreme Court

The highest court in the United States that hears appeals from lower courts

U.S. attorney general

The chief law enforcement officer and head of the Department of Justice

Writ of certiorari

A formal writ used to bring a case before the Supreme Court

Writ of habeas corpus

A court order requiring explanation of why a prisoner is being held