Judicial Branch

a philosophy of constitutional interpretation that asserts justices should be cautious in overturning laws

• judicial activism

• judicial restraint

• judicial review

• judicial power

the lowest level of the federal judiciary; these courts usually have original jurisdiction in cases that start at the federal level

• district courts

• courts of appeals

• constitutional courts

• supreme courts

• legislative courts

a Supreme Court decision that established judicial review over federal laws

• Marbury v. Madison

• writ of certiorari

• writ of habeas corpus

• class-action suit

a philosophy of constitutional interpretation that justices should wield the power of judicial review, sometimes creating bold new policies

• judicial activism

• judicial restraint

• judicial review

• judicial power

the authority of a court to hear and review decisions made by lower courts in that system

• original jurisdiction

• appellate jurisdiction

• brief

• amicus curiae brief

the practice of letting a previous decision stand

• stare decisis

• senatorial courtesy

• rule of four

• amendment

the authority of a court to hear a case first, which includes the finding of facts in the case

• original jurisdiction

• appellate jurisdiction

• brief

• amicus curiae brief

a blinding Supreme Court opinion, which serves as precedent for future cases

• dissenting opinion

• opinion of the court/majority opinion

• concurring opinion

• congressional opinion

a judicial decision that guides future courts in handling similar cases

• litmus test

• precedent

• standing

• judicial review

Who nominates Supreme Court justices?

• President

• Vice President

• Senate

• House of Representatives