Ap Gov: Judiciary I

Constitutional Courts

Courts established under Article III; judges serve during good behavior (life tenure) with salary protection. Includes Supreme Court, Courts of Appeals, and District Courts.

Legislative Courts

Courts created by Congress for specialized purposes under Article I; judges have fixed terms, can be removed, and may have salaries reduced. Examples: Court of Military Appeals, territorial courts, Court of International Trade.

Senatorial Courtesy

An informal tradition giving senior senators from a nominee’s home state (and the president’s party) veto power over judicial nominations; a negative “blue slip” can halt a nomination.

Litmus Test

An evaluation of a judicial nominee’s political ideology (e.g., abortion stance) used by presidents and interest groups to assess suitability.

Federal-Question Cases

Cases involving the Constitution, federal statutes, or treaties.

Diversity Cases

Cases involving citizens of different states (or foreign nationals) where the dispute exceeds $75,000.

In Forma Pauperis

Allows indigent parties to proceed without filing fees; criminal defendants may get a court-appointed lawyer.

Interest-Group Sponsorship

When advocacy groups (e.g., ACLU) fund litigation, file amicus briefs, or represent plaintiffs aligned with their mission.

Standing

A requirement that a plaintiff have a personal stake in a case’s outcome; includes actual controversy, injury-in-fact, causation, and redressability.

Injury-in-Fact

The plaintiff must show actual harm from the challenged law or action.

Causation & Redressability

The injury must be traceable to the defendant and likely fixed by a favorable ruling.

Fee Shifting

A rule allowing the winning plaintiff to recover attorney’s fees and court costs from the losing party when permitted by statute.

Class-Action Suit

A case filed by one or a few plaintiffs on behalf of a larger group (“class”) with common claims; allows collective redress for widespread harms.

Judge Party Influence

Studies show judges’ rulings strongly correlate with their political party; presidents choose nominees aligned with their ideology (liberal vs. conservative).

Supreme Court

Only court required by the Constitution; exercises discretionary appellate jurisdiction via certiorari.

U.S. Courts of Appeals

12 regional circuits + Federal Circuit; hear appeals from district courts and agencies, no new trials.

U.S. District Courts

94 districts with original jurisdiction over most federal cases.

Specialized Constitutional Courts

Examples: Court of International Trade, Bankruptcy Courts.

Legislative Courts (simplified)

Created for specific functions without Article III protections.

Certiorari

An order by the Supreme Court (or higher court) to review a lower-court decision.