Unit 2c: Judiciary

grand jury

• A group of citizens that decides whether there is sufficient evidence to accuse someone of a crime with a trial.

• A legal body that determines the guilt or innocence of a defendant in a criminal case.

• A panel of judges who review evidence and make legal decisions.

• A group of citizens that votes on proposed legislation.

opinions of the court

• A summary of the court's schedule.

• An explanation for the decision of the Supreme Court or any other appellate court.

• A list of judges presiding over a case.

• A record of all cases heard by the court.

Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit

• Established by Congress to speed up the handling of appeals in certain kinds of civil cases.

• The only federal appeals court that has general jurisdiction.

• Hears cases only from the state of California.

• Handles criminal cases exclusively.

due process of law

• the right of every citizen against arbitrary action by national or state governments

• a legal principle that ensures fair treatment through the normal judicial system

• a process that allows citizens to challenge government actions in court

• a requirement for all laws to be published before they are enforced

Strict Scrutiny

• A legal standard that requires a compelling public interest to justify classification by race and ethnic background.

• A rule that allows any classification by race without justification.

• A standard that requires only a rational basis for classification by race.

• A guideline that prohibits any classification based on race or ethnic background.

justiciable

• appropriate for court assessment

• not suitable for legal review

• irrelevant to judicial proceedings

• exclusively for criminal cases

indictment

• A formal charge that there is enough evidence to make a trial reasonable by a grand jury

• A legal document that outlines the charges against a defendant

• A statement made by a witness in a court of law

• A plea made by a defendant in response to charges

writ of certiorari

• An order by a higher court directing a lower court to send up a case for review

• A legal document that allows a person to appeal a court decision

• A request for a jury trial in a civil case

• A formal accusation of a crime made by a grand jury

Judicial Review

• An act by the US Supreme Court in deciding the constitutional validity of an executive or legislative act.

• A process by which the President can veto legislation passed by Congress.

• A method for Congress to override a Supreme Court decision.

• A procedure for the Senate to confirm judicial appointments.

briefs

• Written documents that summarize a case for the jury

• Written documents in which attorneys explain, using case precedents, why the court should find in favor of their client

• Informal notes taken during court proceedings

• Legal documents that outline the rules of evidence