Front

The power of the courts to declare laws unconstitutional.

Back

Judicial Review

Front

The view that judges should decide cases strictly on the basis of the language of the laws and the Constitution.

Back

Judicial Restraint Approach

Front

The view that judges should discern the general principles underlying laws or the Constitution and apply them to modern circumstances.

Back

Judicial Activist Approach

Front

A federal court authorized by Article III of the Constitution that keeps judges in office during good behavior and prevents their salaries from being reduced.

Back

Constitutional Court

Front

The lowest federal courts where federal cases begin. They are the only federal courts where trials are held.

Back

District Courts

Front

Federal courts that hear appeals from district courts; no trials.

Back

Courts of Appeals

Front

Courts created by Congress for specialized purposes whose judges do not enjoy the protections of Article III of the Constitution.

Back

Legislative Courts

Front

A tradition under which the Senate will defer to the judgment of a senator of the president's party when determining the suitability of candidates for federal judgeships from that senator's state.

Back

Senatorial Courtesy

Front

An examination of the political ideology of a nominated judge.

Back

Litmus Test

Front

Cases concerning the Constitution, federal laws, or treaties.

Back

Federal-Question Cases