Chapter 2: The United States Court System

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the United States court system lecture.

Separation of Powers

The distribution of powers among the three branches of government: executive, legislative, and judicial.

Legislative Branch

The branch of government that makes laws, composed of Congress, which includes the Senate and House of Representatives.

Executive Branch

The branch of government that carries out laws, headed by the President.

Judicial Branch

The branch of government that interprets laws, led by the Supreme Court.

Checks and Balances

A system that ensures that no branch of government becomes too powerful by providing each branch the ability to check the others.

Federalism

The idea that governance in the U.S. is shared between the states and the federal government.

Subject Matter Jurisdiction

The legal authority to hear a case or controversy based on its type.

Federal Question Jurisdiction

Federal court jurisdiction based on cases involving federal statutory, regulatory, or constitutional law.

Diversity of Citizenship Jurisdiction

Federal court jurisdiction based on a case where the plaintiff is from one state, the defendant is not from that state, and the amount in controversy exceeds $75,000.

Trial Courts

The first level of courts that accept evidence and testimony to determine the facts of a case.

Appellate Courts

Courts that review decisions made by lower courts to check for judicial errors; they do not hear new evidence.

Writ of Certiorari

A writ issued by a higher court to review the decision of a lower court.

Circuit Courts of Appeal

U.S. courts that hear appeals from trial courts, focusing on questions of law.

Hierarchy of State Courts

The structure of the court system within a state, including trial courts, appellate courts, and the state supreme court.