U.S. Judicial System: Key Terms and Court Procedures

Writ of Certiorari

Asking the Supreme Court to hear a case

Jurisdiction

The authority of a court to hear a case.

Marbury v. Madison

A landmark case that established the principle of judicial review.

Rule of Four

The Supreme Court's practice that permits four of the nine justices to grant a writ of certiorari ad agree to hear a case.

Opinions

Majority, concurring, dissenting views expressed by justices in a court ruling.

Voir dire

The process of questioning potential jurors to determine their suitability.

Amicus curiae

A person or group that is not a party to a case but offers information or expertise relevant to the case.

Precedent/stare decisis

The legal principle of determining points in litigation according to precedent.

Plaintiff/Defendant/Prosecution/Petitioner/Respondent

The parties involved in a legal case.

Senatorial courtesy

A custom whereby the Senate will not confirm a judicial nominee if the nominee's home state senator objects.

Oral argument

The stage in appellate court proceedings where attorneys present their arguments to the judges.

Judicial Review

The power of courts to assess whether a law is in compliance with the constitution.

Dual Court System

The existence of both federal and state courts in the United States.

Civil

deals with disputes between individuals

Article III

The section of the U.S. Constitution that establishes the judicial branch.

Judicial activism

An interpretation of the U.S. constitution holding that the spirit of the times and the needs of the nation can legitimately influence judicial decisions (particularly decisions of the Supreme Court)

Difference between State & Federal Courts

State courts handle state law cases, while federal courts handle cases involving federal law.

Different types of federal courts and their Jurisdiction

Includes District Courts, Trial Courts, Appeals Courts, and the Supreme Court.

How the Appeals and Supreme Court differ from Trial Courts

Appeals and Supreme Courts review decisions made by trial courts, focusing on legal errors rather than factual determinations.

The role and responsibility of the Jury in a Trial court

To determine the facts of a case and render a verdict based on the evidence presented.

How one may be selected for Jury Duty

Selection is typically done through a random process from voter registration or tax records.

Process by which Federal Judges reach their positions and how long they have them

Federal judges are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate, serving lifetime appointments.

Difference between State and Federal Judges

State judges are typically elected, while federal judges are appointed for life.

6th Amendment protections

Guarantees the rights of criminal defendants, including the right to a public trial, an attorney and an unbiased jury.

Supreme Court specifics

The highest court in the United States, with ultimate appellate jurisdiction over all federal and state court cases.

Criminal Law

deals with offenses against the state or breaking a law

judicial restraint

A judicial philosophy in which judges play minimal policymaking roles, leaving that duty strictly to the legislatures

Judiciary Act of 1789

Congress passed this Act which created the federal-court system.

Chief Justice of SCOTUS

John Roberts

How many Supreme Court Justices are there?

9 Supreme Court Justices