The Federal Judicial System - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, cases, and concepts from the notes on the U.S. federal judiciary system.

Randolph Plan

A proposed plan for organizing a three-tier federal judiciary (Supreme Court plus inferior federal courts).

Patterson Plan

Opponents’ alternative plan proposing a single Supreme tribunal with state courts handling initial hearings and appealing to the Supreme Court.

Article III

Constitutional provision establishing the federal judiciary and defining the scope of the federal judicial power.

Judiciary Act of 1789

Law that created the federal court system, including a Chief Justice, associates, and three tiers: district courts, circuit (appeals) courts, and the Supreme Court.

Chief Justice

Head of the Supreme Court; leads the Court and assigns opinions; example: John Marshall.

District Courts

Federal trial courts with original jurisdiction over many civil and criminal cases; often involve juries.

Supreme Court

Highest federal court; final interpreter of the Constitution and creator of federal law interpretations; can exercise judicial review.

John Marshall

Fourth Chief Justice (1801–1835) who expanded federal power and established judicial review through Marbury v. Madison.

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

Landmark decision establishing judicial review, the power to strike down unconstitutional federal laws.

Judicial Review

Power of courts to examine and invalidate statutes or executive actions that violate the Constitution.

Writ of Certiorari

A request by the Supreme Court to review a lower court decision; the Court may grant or deny certiorari.

Original Jurisdiction

Authority of a court to hear a case for the first time, rather than on appeal.

Appellate Jurisdiction

Authority of a court to review decisions of lower courts on appeal.

Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

Ruling that segregation in public schools violates the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment; overturned 'separate but equal.'

Equal Protection Clause (14th Amendment)

Constitutional guarantee that laws will treat individuals equally; used to strike down discriminatory policies.

Separate but Equal

Doctrine permitting racial segregation if facilities are purportedly equal; overturned by Brown v. Board.

Dissenting Opinion

A justice’s opinion that disagrees with the majority’s decision.

Concurring Opinion

A justice’s opinion that agrees with the majority outcome but for different reasoning.

Per Curiam

An unsigned, often routine or unanimous Supreme Court decision.

En Banc

A process where a circuit’s full bench (all active judges) revisits a case after an initial three-judge panel decision.

United States Court of Appeals (Circuit Courts)

Appellate courts reviewing district court decisions within 12 circuits; can set precedent and issue opinions.

United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit

Specialized appellate court (created in 1982) handling patents, copyrights, and certain federal claims.

Administrative Procedure Act (APA) of 1946

Law creating due process protections in federal administrative proceedings and establishing administrative adjudication practices.

Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)

Judge within an agency who conducts hearings and issues decisions in administrative proceedings.

Immigration Courts

Specialized Article I courts within the executive branch handling immigration proceedings, with decisions reviewable by federal courts.

Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) of 1986

Legislation affecting immigration policy and enforcement; expanded adjudicatory processes in immigration matters.

Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA)

Appellate body within the immigration system that reviews ALJ decisions; subject to federal court review.

Law Clerk

Research assistant to judges who prepares memoranda and assists with case work.

US Magistrate Judge

Judicial officer under the Federal Magistrates Act (1968, amended 1990) handling pre-trial matters and certain nonjury civil and misdemeanor cases.

Federal Magistrates Act (1968, amended 1990)

Legislation creating and reforming magistrate judges to assist district judges.

Grand Jury

Jury that determines probable cause for criminal charges.

Petit Jury

Jury that determines guilt or liability in a trial.

Roe v. Wade (1973)

Supreme Court decision addressing abortion rights and privacy under the Due Process Clause.

Hopewood v. Texas (1996)

Circuit Court case addressing racial admissions policies; highlighted limits on state actions under equal protection; certiorari denied.

Gratz v. Bollinger (2003)

Case addressing race-conscious university admissions; held to violate the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment.

Grutter v. Bollinger (2003)

Affirmative action case upholding certain diversity-based considerations in admissions (later contrasted with Gratz).