Judicial Branch

Trial Courts

Courts that hear cases for the first time, often involving a judge and sometimes a jury, where evidence is presented and decisions are made.

District Courts

The general trial courts of the federal system, where most federal cases begin and are heard by a judge or jury.

Verdict

The formal decision or judgment made by a jury or a judge at the end of a trial regarding the outcome of a case.

Judicial Review

The power of courts to evaluate the constitutionality of legislative and executive actions, ensuring they comply with the Constitution.

Writ of Mandamus

A court order compelling a government official or agency to perform a duty required by law.

Civil Law

A branch of law dealing with disputes between individuals or organizations, typically involving compensation or remedy.

Criminal Law

A body of law dealing with crime and punishment, governing offenses against the state or public.

Jurisdiction

The authority of a court to hear and decide cases, or a geographic area where a court has that authority.

Appellate Jurisdiction

The authority of a higher court to review and revise decisions made by lower courts, focusing on the application of law rather than the facts of the case.

Writ of Certiorari

A legal order by a higher court to review the decision of a lower court, typically involving significant legal questions or issues.

Stare Decisis

The legal principle that courts should follow precedents set by previous decisions in similar cases to ensure consistency and stability in the law. (hint… not precedent)

Precedent

A legal principle or rule established in a previous case that courts follow in subsequent cases to ensure consistency in the law.

Majority Opinion

The official statement of the court that reflects the views of the majority of judges deciding a case, explaining the rationale behind their decision.

Concurring Opinion

A type of judicial opinion that agrees with the majority opinion but offers different reasons or additional commentary on the case.

Dissenting Opinion

A judicial opinion written by one or more judges expressing disagreement with the majority opinion, outlining the reasons for their differing view.

Amicus Curiae

"Friend of the court," a person or organization that is not a party to a case but offers information or expertise to assist the court in its decision-making.

Marbury v. Madison

A landmark Supreme Court case in 1803 that established the principle of judicial review, affirming the power of the courts to declare laws unconstitutional.

Gideon v. Wainwright

A landmark Supreme Court case that established the right to free legal counsel for defendants in criminal cases who cannot afford an attorney.

McCulloch v. Maryland

A landmark Supreme Court case in 1819 that affirmed the supremacy of federal law over state law and recognized the implied powers of Congress.

Roe v. Wade

A landmark Supreme Court case in 1973 that recognized a woman's constitutional right to privacy, effectively legalizing abortion nationwide.

Plaintiff

The party who brings a lawsuit or legal action against another party in a court of law, seeking a legal remedy.

Defendant

The party against whom a lawsuit is brought in a court of law, often accused of wrongdoing or liability.

Petitioner

The party who initiates a legal appeal in a higher court after a decision has been made in a lower court.

Respondent

The party who responds to a legal appeal in a higher court, typically providing arguments against the petitioner's request for change.

Prosecution

The legal party that brings charges against an individual or entity in a criminal case, representing the government.

Miranda v. Arizona

A landmark Supreme Court case in 1966 that established the requirement for police to inform individuals of their rights to silence and legal counsel during custody.

Tinker v. Des Moines

A significant Supreme Court case in 1969 that upheld students' rights to free speech in public schools, specifically ruling that students could wear armbands to protest the Vietnam War.