Judiciary Branch

Majority Opinion

Official SCOTUS decision supported by most justices. ^

Concurring Opinion

Agrees with outcome but for different reasoning. ^

Dissenting Opinion

Disagrees with majority decision. ^

Federalist 78

Judicial independence, weakest branch, judicial review protects rights and checks legislature. ^

Original Jurisdiction

Court hears case first; witnesses and evidence presented. ^

Appellate Jurisdiction

Higher court reviews lower court decision for legal errors. ^

Judicial Activism

Judges broadly interpret Constitution to address social issues. ^

Judicial Restraint

Judges stick to strict Constitution interpretation. ^

Solicitor General

Chief appellate lawyer for federal government; appointed by Attorney General. ^

Attorney General

Head of Department of Justice. ^

Senatorial Courtesy

Home-state senators approve judicial nominees via “blue slip” policy. ^

Litmus Test

Assessing a judicial nominee’s ideological stance before appointment. ^

Stare Decisis

Courts follow precedent. ^

Certiorari

Higher court orders lower court to send case record. ^

Amicus Curiae

“Friend of the court” briefs offered to influence decision.