Poly sci def

Grand Jury

A group of citizens that determines whether there's enough evidence to charge someone.

Precedent

Previous legal decisions that guide future cases.

Slander

Spoken false information.

Libel

Written false information.

Indictment

A formal charge of a crime.

Preponderance of Evidence

The standard used in civil cases (lower standard).

Beyond a Reasonable Doubt

The standard in criminal cases (higher standard).

Bicameral

A two-house legislative system (House and Senate).

False Advertising

Knowingly misleading consumers.

Sovereignty

Supreme power or authority.

Amicus Curiae

A brief submitted by someone not a party to the case, providing information or arguments.

Obscene Words/Materials

Offensive speech/material, subject to regulation.

Symbolic Speech

Non-verbal expression protected by the First Amendment (e.g., flag burning).

Judicial Review

The power of the courts to declare laws unconstitutional.

Judicial Activism

The belief that courts should actively protect rights and correct societal injustices.

Judicial Restraint

The belief that courts should defer to the elected branches of government.

Three-Fifths Compromise

Enslaved individuals were counted as three-fifths of a person for representation.

Docket

A list of cases.

Subpoena

A legal document ordering someone to testify.

Hung Jury

When the jury cannot reach a unanimous decision (11-1).

Plaintiff

The person accusing the defendant in a civil case.

Misdemeanor

A type of offense punishable under criminal law, typically by less than 12 months in jail.

Felony

An offense punishable by fines and more than one year in prison.

Separation of Powers

Divides government into three branches to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power.

Majority Rule

The majority vote controls decisions (e.g., President, House, Senate).

Judicial Activism

A judicial philosophy that allows judges to use their own policy views to make decisions.

Judicial Restraint

A legal philosophy that limits a court's power to change laws.

Advise and Consent

The power of the United States Senate to review and confirm presidential appointments and treaties.

Roberts Court

The name given to the Supreme Court of the United States since Chief Justice John Roberts took office in 2005.

Warren Court

An era when Earl Warren was Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, from 1953-1969.