American Government: Judicial Vocabulary

Front

A court's authority to hear and decide cases.

Back

Jurisdiction

Front

The authority of a court to hear a case appealed from a lower court.

Back

Appellate Jurisdiction

Front

This type of case typically results in no jail time but involves financial punishment. Options: Criminal, Civil, Appellate, Precedent

Back

Civil

Front

A ruling that is used as the basis for a judicial decision in a later, similar case.

Back

Precedent

Front

The Supreme Court first claimed the right to declare acts of the legislative and executive branches unconstitutional. It made the Judicial Branch independent of and equal to the other branches.

Back

Marbury v Madison

Front

The power of the supreme court to say whether any federal, state, or local law or government action goes against the Constitution.

Back

Judicial Review

Front

A statement written by a justice who disagrees with the majority opinion, presenting his or her opinion.

Back

Dissenting opinion

Front

This is a major crime that usually involves more than 1 year of jail time.

Back

Felony

Front

This is a minor crime that will result in no more than 1 year of jail time and may only involve a financial punishment.

Back

Misdemeanor

Front

The person that brings a lawsuit against someone else

Back

Plaintiff