Supreme Court Terms

Flashcards containing key Supreme Court terms and their definitions.

Writ of Certiorari

A legal document issued by a higher court to a lower court, ordering it to send records of a case for review.

Amicus Curiae Brief

A document filed in a lawsuit by someone not party to the case, providing information or arguments for the court's consideration.

Oral Arguments

A process where justices ask questions of attorneys, clarifying and debating the merits of a case.

Opinion of the Court

The official written decision in a court case explaining the final judgement and legal reasoning.

Majority Opinion

An opinion supported by more than half of the justices.

Unanimous Opinion

An opinion in which all nine judges agree.

Per Curiam Opinion

An opinion issued in the name of the Court rather than a specific judge.

Dissenting Opinion

An opinion by a justice who disagrees with the majority decision, explaining their reasoning.

Concurring Opinion

An opinion by a justice who agrees with the majority outcome but disagrees with the reasoning.