Judicial Branch and Civil Rights Vocabulary

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to the Judicial Branch, Civil Liberties, and Civil Rights.

Judicial Review

The power of the Supreme Court to cancel laws or actions if they go against the Constitution.

Original Jurisdiction

The authority of a court to hear a case first, before any appeals.

Appellate Jurisdiction

The power of a higher court to review and change the outcome of a lower court’s decision.

Precedent

A past court decision that future cases should follow.

Stare Decisis

‘Let the decision stand’ — courts usually follow precedent.

Writ of Certiorari

The Supreme Court’s formal agreement to hear a case.

Majority Opinion

The official decision of the Court, written by a justice in the majority.

Dissenting Opinion

A written explanation by a justice who disagrees with the majority.

Concurring Opinion

A justice agrees with the majority decision but for different reasons.

Amicus Curiae Brief

A document submitted by someone not in the case, offering info or opinions to help the court decide.

Judicial Activism

Judges make bold rulings that create new policies or change laws.

Judicial Restraint

Judges avoid making big changes and leave decisions to elected officials.

Rule of Four

At least four Supreme Court justices must agree to hear a case.

Civil Liberties

Basic rights and freedoms protected from government interference (like speech, religion, privacy).

Selective Incorporation

The process of applying parts of the Bill of Rights to the states through the 14th Amendment.

Due Process Clause (14th Amendment)

The government must follow fair procedures before taking away life, liberty, or property.

Establishment Clause

The government can’t promote or establish a religion.

Free Exercise Clause

You’re allowed to practice any religion (or none) without government interference.

Prior Restraint

The government can’t stop the press from publishing something before it happens.

Clear and Present Danger Test

The government can limit speech if it causes immediate danger to others.

Symbolic Speech

Nonverbal actions that express a message (like wearing armbands or burning a flag).

Civil Rights

Rights that protect people from unfair treatment or discrimination by the government or others.

Equal Protection Clause (14th Amendment)

Requires states to treat all people equally under the law.

De Jure Segregation

Separation of people by law (e.g., school segregation laws).

De Facto Segregation

Separation that happens in practice (e.g., because of housing patterns), not by law.

Affirmative Action

Policies meant to help groups that have been discriminated against in the past.

Title IX

Law that bans sex discrimination in education and school programs (especially sports).

Voting Rights Act of 1965

Banned racist voting practices like literacy tests and protected minority voting rights.

Civil Rights Act of 1964

Outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in public places and jobs.