Judicial Vocabulary List
Overview
Grade Level: 12th Grade
Topic: Judicial
Number of Words: 30
Vocabulary Words
Activism
Definition: The policy of active involvement by judges or courts taking strong positions on interpretation of law when the law is vague.
Example: Judicial activism has led to significant changes in constitutional law.
Appellate
Definition: Relating to the process of appealing a court decision to a higher court due to an error in law by the lower court.
Example: The appellate court reviewed the case for any legal errors.
Brief
Definition: A written document outlining the arguments and assertions in an appellate court case.
Example: The lawyer submitted a brief summarizing the key points of law to the justices of the Supreme Court.
Writ of Certiorari
Definition: A court order issued by the Supreme Court to the lower court so they can review the decision of a lower court.
Example: The Supreme Court granted certiorari to hear the case.
Chief Justice
Definition: Leader of the Judicial Branch; presides over the Supreme Court
sessions and Presidential impeachment trials in the Senate
Example: The Chief Justice delivered a landmark opinion that shaped legal precedent.
Civil
Definition: person or group taking legal action against another person or group for a “wrong-doing” or cause of damage.The court ruling creates precedents for civil law.
Example: The plaintiff filed a civil suit for damages.
Court of Appeals
Definition: hear appeals from the district courts within their respective federal judicial circuit. They evaluate the trial courts handling of the case looking for any error of law (violation of due process).
Example: The court of appeals affirmed the lower court's ruling.
Criminal
Definition: Relating to cases involving crimes and legal punishment for offenders.
Example: The criminal case highlighted issues of due process.
Dissenting
Definition: An opinion expressing disagreement with a majority view in a court decision.
Example: The dissenting opinion argued for a broader interpretation of the law.
District
Definition: A specific area within a judicial system where cases are initially tried.
Example: The district court handled the majority of cases in the area.
Due Process
Definition: Legal requirement that the state must respect all legal rights owed to a person.
Example: The defendant was denied due process in the trial.
Grand Jury
Definition: A group of citizens that decides whether the prosecutor has sufficient evidence to accuse someone of a crime, if so, they issue an indictment.
Example: The grand jury issued an indictment for the alleged crime.
Indictment
Definition: A formal charge by a grand jury stating that they find enough evidence to make a trial worth while allowing the Government to prosecute someone.
Example: The defendant faced an indictment for theft.
Judicial Review
Definition: The US Supreme Court decides the constitutional validity of an
executive or legislative act. If unconstitutional, the act is declared void.
Example: Judicial review allows the Supreme Court to invalidate laws.
Jurisdiction
Definition: an area of authority or control; the power to say the law; which court takes which case
Example: The court claimed jurisdiction over the case based on residency.
Majority Opinion
Definition: The ruling of the Supreme Court with written reasons for why
5 or more justices agreed on that ruling.
Example: The majority opinion was well-received for its clarity.
Original Jurisdiction
Definition: The court that hears a case first. The trial court.
Example: Original jurisdiction is important for ensuring fair trials.
Petit Jury
Definition: a trial jury, consisting of 12 persons, that weighs the evidence presented at a trial and renders a verdict
Example: The petit jury found the defendant guilty of all charges.
Plaintiff
Definition: a person who brings a case against another in a court of law (the
person who sues another [defendant]).
Example: The plaintiff sought compensation for damages incurred.
Precedent
Definition: A decision from an earlier court case that guides future cases with similar circumstances.
Example: The judge referenced precedent in determining the ruling.
Judicial Restraint
Definition: A judicial philosophy in which judges play minimal policymaking
roles, leaving that duty strictly to the legislatures. They interpret the law by what the words meant when the law, or Constitution, was written. (strict constructionism)
Example: Judicial restraint was emphasized to maintain legal consistency.
Supreme Court
Definition: The highest court in the judicial system of the United States, with final appellate jurisdiction.
Example: The Supreme Court's ruling was decisive for civil rights.
Verdict
Definition: The decision of a jury or judge on the matters submitted to them.
Example: The jury reached a unanimous verdict after deliberations.
Constitution
Definition: A body of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state is governed.
Example: The Constitution is essential in protecting citizens' rights.
Appeals Process
Definition: The procedure by which a case is reviewed in a higher court after an initial ruling.
Example: Navigating the appeals process can be complex and time-consuming.
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