Judicial Branch Overview

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts and terms related to the Judicial Branch.

Judicial Branch

The branch responsible for interpreting or clarifying the law.

Supreme Court

The highest court, established by the Constitution, with final authority on legal interpretations.

Judicial Review

The power of the Supreme Court to review the constitutionality of acts of the national and state governments.

Judicial Supremacy

The idea that the Supreme Court is the final arbiter of the constitutionality of governmental actions.

Original Jurisdiction

The authority of the Supreme Court to hear a case for the first time, often involving ambassadors or disputes between states.

Appellate Jurisdiction

The authority of the Supreme Court to hear cases on appeal from lower courts.

Rule of Four

The principle that allows four Supreme Court Justices to decide to take up a case.

Judicial Independence

The concept that the federal courts must be independent from other branches of government.

Judiciary Act of 1789

Legislation that created the Supreme Court and established the federal court system.

Plaintiff

The person who brings a civil lawsuit.

Defendant

The person being sued or accused in a court of law.

Prosecutor

An official who represents the government in criminal cases.

Public Defender

A lawyer who defends individuals unable to afford legal representation.

Docket

The list of cases that a court will hear.

Amicus Curiae

A 'friend of the court' who offers information or advice to the court on a case.

Appeal

The act of asking a higher court to review a decision made by a lower court.

Remand

To send a case back to a lower court for further action.

Majority Opinion

A judicial opinion that is agreed upon by more than half of the court.

Dissenting Opinion

An opinion written by justices who disagree with the majority's decision.

Concurring Opinion

An opinion that agrees with the majority decision but offers different reasoning.