Judiciary Courts in the United States

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the structure, functions, and roles of the judiciary courts in the United States, as described in the lecture notes.

Judiciary

The judicial branch of government responsible for interpreting laws.

Arbiters

Individuals who settle disputes.

Judges

Officials who enforce laws and adjudicate legal matters.

Judicial Decisions

Rulings made by judges that have legal implications.

Common Law

Law established through judicial decisions and precedents.

Judicial Review

The power of the judiciary to examine and invalidate actions by the legislative and executive branches.

Dred Scott v. Sanford

A landmark Supreme Court case (1857) regarding slavery.

Marbury v. Madison

An 1803 case establishing the principle of judicial review.

Original Jurisdiction

The authority of a court to hear a case for the first time.

Amicus Curiae Briefs

Legal documents submitted by non-party individuals or organizations to offer information or insights.

Ideological Trajectories

The tendency of justices to align with certain political or ideological beliefs over time.

Political Actors

Judges who actively engage in influencing public policy through their decisions.

Appointment of Federal Judges

Process by which the President appoints judges to the federal judiciary.

Precedents

Previous court rulings that influence future legal decisions.

Diversity of Federal Judges

The varying backgrounds and demographics represented among federal judges.