The Judicial Branch – Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering the main concepts, structures, and procedures of the U.S. judicial branch as outlined in the lecture notes.

Judicial Branch

The branch of the U.S. government that interprets laws and ensures they do not violate the Constitution.

Federal Court System

The structure of federal courts—District Courts, Courts of Appeal, and the Supreme Court—through which federal cases are heard.

Article III, Section 1

Constitutional clause stating that judicial power is vested in one Supreme Court and any inferior courts Congress establishes.

U.S. District Courts

The 94 trial-level courts that handle most federal cases and form the lowest tier of the federal judiciary.

Circuit Courts / Courts of Appeal

Intermediate appellate courts that review decisions from the District Courts before possible Supreme Court review.

Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS)

The highest court in the judicial branch; its decisions are final unless reversed by a later Supreme Court ruling or a constitutional amendment.

Justice

A member of the nine-judge Supreme Court, serving since the number was set in 1869.

Nomination and Confirmation

Process by which the President selects a Supreme Court justice and the Senate approves the appointment.

Case Review Process

Path in which a case moves from a District Court to a Court of Appeal and, if accepted, to the Supreme Court for final review.

Cert Petition Volume

Approximately 7,500 cases are submitted to the Supreme Court each year, but only about 150 are actually heard.

Constitutional Amendment

A formal change to the U.S. Constitution, one of only two ways to overturn a Supreme Court decision.