AP Government - Vocabulary Quiz Term List #24



  1. Amicus Curiae Brief – Literally, a “friend of the court” brief, filed by an individual or organization to present arguments in addition to those presented by the immediate parties to a case.



  1. Judicial Review – The power of a court to refuse to enforce a law or government regulation that in the opinion of the judges conflicts with the U.S. Constitution or, in a state court, the state constitution.



  1. Justiciable Dispute – A dispute growing out of an actual case or controversy and that is capable of settlement by legal methods.



  1. Defendant – In a criminal action, the person or party accused of an offense.



  1. Plea Bargain – Agreement between a prosecutor and a defendant that the defendant will plead guilty to a lesser offense to avoid having to stand trial for a more serious offense.



  1. Public Defender System – Arrangement whereby public officials are hired to provide legal assistance to people accused of crimes who are unable to hire their own attorneys.



  1. Court of Appeals – A court with appellate jurisdiction that hears appeals from the decisions of lower courts.



  1. Writ of Habeas Corpus –  A court order requiring explanation to a judge why a prisoner is being held in custody.



  1. Judicial Activism – Philosophy proposing that judges should interpret the Constitution to reflect current conditions and values.



  1. Stare Decisis – The rule of precedent, whereby a rule or law contained in a judicial decision is commonly viewed as binding on judges whenever the same question is presented.



  1. Ex Post Facto law – Retroactive criminal law that works to the disadvantage of a person.



  1. Bill of Attainder – Legislative act inflicting punishment, including deprivation of property, without a trial, on named individuals or members of a specific group.



  1. Due Process Clause – Clause in the Fifth Amendment limiting the power of the national government; similar clause in the Fourteenth Amendment prohibiting state governments from depriving any person of life, liberty, or property without due process of law.



  1. Selective Incorporation – The process by which provisions of the bill of rights are brought within the scope of the Fourteenth Amendment and so applied to state and local governments.



  1. Establishment Clause – Clause in the First Amendment that states that Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion. Forbids governmental support to any or all religions