Untitled Flashcards Set

Affirmative Action Policies that increase opportunities for historically disadvantaged groups through preferential treatment. (Quiz: A university’s effort to recruit more minority students is an example of __________.) Bill of Rights The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution that protect essential freedoms and rights. (Quiz: Protections such as freedom of speech and religion are enshrined in the __________.) Civil Liberties Individual freedoms (like free speech and religion) protected from government interference. (Quiz: The protection against unwarranted government intrusion is a safeguard of __________.) Civil Rights Rights ensuring equal treatment and protection from discrimination under the law. (Quiz: Laws preventing discrimination in employment secure __________.) Civil Rights Act of 1964 Landmark legislation outlawing discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. (Quiz: Segregation in public facilities was ended by the __________.) Clear and Present Danger Doctrine A legal principle that restricts speech if it poses an immediate threat to public safety or national security. (Quiz: Speech that incites immediate harm may be limited under the __________.) Cruel and Unusual Punishment A prohibition (under the Eighth Amendment) against excessively harsh or inhumane penalties. (Quiz: Punishments involving torture would be considered __________.) De Facto Segregation Racial separation that occurs in practice due to social or economic factors rather than legal mandates. (Quiz: Residential patterns that segregate communities by race are examples of __________ segregation.) De Jure Segregation Racial separation enforced by law, as seen historically with Jim Crow laws. (Quiz: Laws mandating separate schools for Black and White students illustrate __________ segregation.) Double Jeopardy A constitutional protection preventing an individual from being tried twice for the same crime. (Quiz: After an acquittal, a defendant cannot be retried due to __________.) Due Process Clause A guarantee (in the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments) ensuring fair legal proceedings and procedures. (Quiz: Fair treatment in legal proceedings is assured by the __________ clause.) Equal Protection Clause Part of the Fourteenth Amendment requiring that all citizens receive equal protection under the law. (Quiz: The law mandating equal treatment stems from the __________ clause.) Establishment Clause A provision in the First Amendment that prevents the government from establishing or favoring an official religion. (Quiz: Government-sponsored religious activities violate the __________ clause.) Exclusionary Rule A judicial principle barring the use of illegally obtained evidence in court. (Quiz: Evidence gathered without a warrant is typically excluded under the __________ rule.) Free Exercise Clause A provision in the First Amendment that protects the right to practice one’s religion without undue government interference. (Quiz: Restrictions on religious practices might violate the __________ clause.) Grand Jury A group of citizens who review evidence to decide if there is probable cause to indict a suspect. (Quiz: Before formal charges are filed, a case is reviewed by a __________.) Indictment A formal charge issued by a grand jury indicating sufficient evidence for a trial. (Quiz: When a grand jury formally charges a suspect, it issues an __________.) Miranda Rule/Warnings The requirement that police inform suspects of their rights (e.g., to remain silent and have an attorney) before interrogation. (Quiz: Before questioning a suspect, the police must recite the __________.) USA PATRIOT Act of 2001 Legislation enacted after 9/11 to expand surveillance and investigative powers, raising civil liberties concerns. (Quiz: Expanded surveillance powers post-9/11 were implemented through the __________.) Poll Tax A fee required for voting, historically used to disenfranchise African American voters. (Quiz: Charging a fee to vote was a tactic known as a __________.) Prior Restraint Government actions that prevent speech or expression before it occurs, often seen as a First Amendment violation. (Quiz: Preventing a newspaper from publishing a story in advance is an example of __________.) Selective Incorporation The process by which rights in the Bill of Rights are applied to the states via the Fourteenth Amendment. (Quiz: Extending federal protections to the states is accomplished through __________.) Separate but Equal Doctrine A legal doctrine that once justified segregation by claiming that separate facilities could be equal. (Quiz: The rationale behind segregated schools was based on the __________ doctrine.) Speedy and Public Trial A constitutional guarantee (Sixth Amendment) ensuring that a trial is held promptly and transparently. (Quiz: The right to a trial without undue delay is known as a __________ trial.) Symbolic Speech Nonverbal expression (like flag burning) that conveys a message and is protected by the First Amendment. (Quiz: Burning a flag as protest is an example of __________.) Voting Rights Act of 1965 Landmark legislation that prohibits racial discrimination in voting and ensures federal oversight where needed. (Quiz: The elimination of voting barriers for minorities was achieved by the __________.) Judicial Activism A judicial philosophy where judges interpret the Constitution broadly to protect rights, sometimes overturning laws. (Quiz: When courts overturn legislation to protect individual rights, they are engaging in __________.) Judicial Restraint A judicial philosophy in which judges defer to the legislative and executive branches unless a clear constitutional violation exists. (Quiz: A judge who seldom overturns laws is said to practice __________.) Jurisdiction – Original vs. Appellate Original: The authority of a court to hear a case first. Appellate: The power of a higher court to review lower court decisions. (Quiz: A trial court has original jurisdiction, while a reviewing court exercises __________ jurisdiction.) Stare Decisis The legal principle of adhering to precedent established by previous court decisions. (Quiz: Consistency in the law is maintained through the practice of __________.) Writ of Certiorari An order by a higher court (often the Supreme Court) to review a lower court’s decision. (Quiz: When the Supreme Court agrees to hear a case, it issues a __________.)