The Law In Our World

Flashcards about Justice, Law, and Court Systems

Who is a plaintiff?

The person who brings a lawsuit against another.

Who is a defendant?

The person against whom a lawsuit is brought or who is charged with a violation of the law.

What do federal and state laws do?

Regulate the purity and wholesomeness of foods.

What are federal, state, and local laws primarily aimed at doing?

Regulate business activity.

What does the Constitution of the United States do?

Give certain reasonable powers and, at the same time, clearly limits the use of those powers.

What are express powers?

Those that are specifically stated in the Constitution.

What are implied powers?

Those that have arisen as a result of interpretation of the express powers by the courts.

What is judicial review?

The process of deciding if a law is contrary to the Constitution.

What does Stare Decisis mean?

To stand on decided cases

What is a precedent?

A court decision on which later courts rely in similar cases.

What is case law?

The effects of court decisions in cases that influence later cases.

What is Constitutional Law?

The study of the federal Constitution.

What is Civil Law?

The study of the rights and obligations of individuals.

What is Criminal Law?

It is concerned with acts against society and the regulation of criminal activity.

What does Administrative Law deal with?

The conduct of governmental administrative agencies and their regulations.

What is International Law concerned with?

The conduct of nations in their relations with other nations.

What is the court’s jurisdiction?

The authority or power of a court to hear cases.

What does Original jurisdiction mean?

Means it is authorized to hear and decide a case when it is first presented.

What does Appellate jurisdiction mean?

The authority to hear appeals.

What is the Supreme Court of the United States?

The highest court in the federal system.

What do Specialized Courts do?

Hear only certain kinds of cases.