Ap Gov Unit 2 part 3

U.S. District Courts

Trial courts of the federal system where cases are initially heard.

U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals

Intermediate appellate courts that review decisions from district courts.

U.S. Supreme Court

The highest court in the federal judiciary, with ultimate appellate jurisdiction.

Article III

Establishes the judicial branch and defines the Supreme Court.

Original Jurisdiction

The authority of a court to hear a case first, before any appellate review.

Appellate Jurisdiction

The authority of a court to review decisions made by lower courts.

Judicial Review

The power of courts to declare laws or executive actions unconstitutional.

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

The case that established the principle of judicial review.

Civil Case

A legal dispute between individuals or entities.

Criminal Case

A legal case where the government prosecutes a violation of law.

Attorney General

The head of the U.S. Department of Justice, responsible for federal law enforcement.

Precedent

A prior court ruling that serves as a guideline for future cases.

Stare Decisis

The principle of upholding past judicial decisions to ensure consistency.

Binding Precedent

Lower courts must follow higher court rulings.

Persuasive Precedent

Courts may consider rulings from other jurisdictions but are not obligated to follow them.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Expanded federal power by upholding the implied powers of Congress.

Gibbons v. Ogden (1824)

Strengthened federal control over interstate commerce.

Judicial Activism

Courts actively interpret the Constitution to address societal issues.

Judicial Restraint

Courts defer to legislatures, avoiding broad constitutional interpretation.

Writ of Certiorari

An order by the Supreme Court to a lower court to send up records for review.

Rule of Four

At least four justices must agree to hear a case.

Majority Opinion

The official ruling of the Supreme Court that sets precedent.

Concurring Opinion

A separate opinion by a justice who agrees with the majority but for different reasons.

Dissenting Opinion

A written disagreement by justices who oppose the majority ruling.

Strict Constructionist

Interprets the Constitution literally, limiting federal power.

Liberal Constructionist

Interprets the Constitution more broadly, allowing for implied powers.

Nuclear Option

A Senate rule change allowing confirmation of judges with a simple majority vote.

Standing

The legal right to bring a case to court, determined by the judiciary.