Introduction to Judicial Systems and Court Structures Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards reviewing court structures, judicial personnel, legal procedure, appellate review terms, and ethical standards based on the lecture context.

Judiciary Act of 1789

The first act of Congress exercising its power to establish inferior courts, setting the Supreme Court composition at one chief justice and five associate justices, and establishing US District Courts.

United States District Courts

The federal trial courts established by the Judiciary Act of 1789 that serve as finders of fact with original jurisdiction over federal crimes, civil matters under federal statutes, and diversity claims.

Original Jurisdiction

The legal authority of a court to hear a case first, where witnesses testify, evidence is introduced, and facts are established.

Finder of Fact

A court with original jurisdiction where evidence and witness testimony are presented to establish facts, after which no new evidence can be introduced.

Section 1983 Claims

Civil lawsuits filed under a provision of the Civil Rights Act in US District Court regarding alleged violations of civil rights by employers or government entities.

Diversity Jurisdiction

Subject matter jurisdiction allowing federal court to hear civil lawsuits involving citizens of different states when the amount in controversy exceeds $75,000$.

Home Cooking

The perceived bias of local or state geographic courts in favor of parties who are citizens of that same geographic area.

Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) Court

A specialized federal court where government officials apply for warrants to perform surveillance and gather foreign intelligence.

United States Courts of Appeals

Intermediate appellate courts comprising 12 regional circuits and one Federal Circuit that review decisions of federal trial courts, typically sitting in three-judge panels.

Record

The complete compilation of documents from a trial, including transcripts of witness testimony, exhibits, motions, and judicial orders.

Brief

An argumentative research memorandum submitted by lawyers in an appellate case citing legal precedents to persuade the court on legal issues.

Harmless Error

A legal mistake made by a trial court that an appellate court determines did not significantly impact the trial's final outcome.

Affirm

An action by an appellate court upholding and agreeing with the legal ruling of the lower trial court.

Reverse

An action by an appellate court setting aside or overturning the decision of the lower court due to a legal error.

Render

An appellate court ruling that enters a final verdict (such as not guilty) following a reversal, ending the case without ordering a new trial.

Remand

An appellate court order sending a case back to the lower trial court for a new trial or further proceedings on specific issues.

SCOTUS

A common acronym for the Supreme Court of the United States.

Court Packing

President Franklin D. Roosevelt's 1930s plan to expand the Supreme Court to up to 15 justices by adding new members for every justice over age 75.

Writ of Certiorari

A formal petition requesting the United States Supreme Court to review a lower appellate court's decision, requiring agreement from at least four justices to be granted.

Court Clerk

A court officer responsible for organizing filings, exhibits, schedules, and case files for a court.

Court Reporter

A specialized professional in courts of record who verbatim transcribes spoken court proceedings using a shorthand machine.

Law Clerk

A law school graduate who assists a judge by conducting legal research and drafting court memos or decisions.

Administrative Law Judges (ALJs)

Hearing officers within executive agencies (such as the Social Security Administration or EPA) who adjudicate regulatory and entitlement disputes.

Article Three Judges

Federal judges nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate who hold lifetime appointments under good behavior.

Appearance of Impropriety

An ethical standard requiring judges to avoid conduct that could cause an average citizen to reasonably question their impartiality or integrity.

Ex Parte Communications

Direct communications between a party or attorney in a case and a judge without the opposing party present, which violates legal ethics rules.

Chinese Wall

Strict procedural screening mechanisms instituted within a law firm to isolate a specific employee from a case to prevent conflicts of interest and unauthorized sharing of confidences.