The Supreme Court/The Court System

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Opinion

A formal written explanation by a judge or a panel of judges of the court’s decision in a case.

Majority Opinion

The opinion that is shared by the majority of justices in a case, setting forth the final judgement.

Concurring Opinion

An opinion written by a justice that agrees with the outcome of a case but for different reasons.

Dissenting Opinion

An opinion written by a justice who disagrees with the majority’s decision.

Stare Decisis

The doctorine that courts should follow precedent when making rulings.

Judicial Review

The power of the court to review laws and deem them unconstitutional if they violate the Constitution.

Certiorari

When the supreme court agrees to hear a case form the lower court.

Brief

Written documents by a party as for why the court should rule in their favor.

Amicus Curiae

Briefs submitted by parties that are not directly involved in the case.

Oral Argument

A scheduled session where lawyers present their arguments before justices.

Rule of Four

At least four justices must agree to hear a case for it to be granted cert.

Judge

The official who presides over a court trial or hearing.

Lawyer

Attorney/Counsel: A professional who represents clients in legal matters.

Prosecutor

A lawyer who represents the government in criminal cases.

Defense Attorney

A lawyer who represents the accused party in criminal trials.

Plaintiff

The party bringing the lawsuit in a civil case.

Defendant

The party being accused or sued.

District Court

First trial court in the federal system.

Court of Appeals

A higher court that reviews decisions made by lower courts.

Supreme Court

The highest court in the US, which has final say.

State Court

Courts that handle cases involving state laws.

Federal Court

Courts that deal with interstate disputes or federal law.

Trial

A formal examination of evidence and legal arguments in front of a judge.

Hearing

A session in court where arguments and evidence is presented informally.

Verdict

The decision reached by a judge or jury in a trial.

Sentence

The punishment or penalty given to the guilty party at the end of a trial.

Burden of Proof

The obligation to prove ones assertion.

Beyond a Reasonable Doubt

The standard of proof required in criminal cases for the defendant to be found guilty.

Preponderance of Evidence

One sides evidence being more convincing than the others.

Double Jeopardy

A person cannot be tried again for the same crime.

Probable Cause

Resonable grounds for an arrest or search.

Complaint

The formal legal document that begins a civil lawsuit.

Indictment

A formal charge or accusation of a serious crime.

Subpeona

A legal document ordering someone to attend court or provide evidence.

Motion

A formal request made to the court for a specific ruling or action.

Appeal

A formal request for a higher court to review the decision of a lower court.

Bail

Money or property given as a security to ensure that the defendant will appear in court.

Jury

A group of citizens who are selected to hear evidence and grant a verdict.

Contempt of Court

Behavior that disrespects or defies the authority of the court.