Judicial System Vocab

AP GOPO

Writ of Certiorari

A type of legal order issued by a higher court to review the decision of a lower court.

Class Action law suit

A legal proceeding in which a group of individuals with common claims collectively bring a lawsuit against a defendant (Brown vs Board of Education).

In forma Pauperis

A legal status that allows a person to bring or defend a lawsuit without the burden of paying court fees due to lack of funds (pau = poor)

legal standing in a court case

the capacity of a party to bring a lawsuit in court. To have standing, a party must demonstrate a sufficient connection to and harm from the law or action being challenged.

legal brief

a written legal argument, usually in a format prescribed by the courts, stating the legal reason for the suit

penumbra

an implied right / power

amicus Curiae brief (friend of the court)

a legal document submitted to an appellate or supreme court by non-parties—individuals, organizations, or government entities—to provide specialized expertise, research, or perspectives to influence a decision.

per curiam opinion

a court opinion issued in the name of the court, rather than specific judges. Usually in the case of unanimous decisions within the supreme court

dissenting opinion

the opinion of a judge of a court of appeals, including the supreme court, which disagrees with the majority opinion, accompanied by a written statement as to why

concurring opinion

in the even some of the judges agree with the decision of the majority, though it may be for different reasons, those judges may write a statement describing the basis of their opinion—-either collectively or individually…depending on their personal reasoning

stare decisis

a legal doctrine requiring courts to follow established precedents—previous rulings—when deciding similar cases, ensuring consistency, stability, and fairness in the law.

this does not HAVE to be followed, but some judges believe in it.

ex) —-> For decades, lower courts were required to follow Roe v. Wade (1973) based on stare decisis, which was later upheld by Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992) before being overturned by Dobbs (2022).