Unit 6 Judicial Branch

What is the main idea behind judicial restraint?

• Judges should use their own judgement to make new laws

• Judges should avoid overturning laws unless they clearly violate the Constitution

• Judges should base decisions on public opinion

• Judges should always side with the executive branch.

Answer explanation

Judicial restraint means judges interpret the law narrowly and defer to elected branches unless a law clearly conflicts with the Constitution.

A judge believes the Constitution must be interpreted based on current social values and conditions. Which philosophy does this describe?

• Judicial Activism

• Judicial Restraint

• Judicial Review

• Judicial Oversight

Answer explanation

Judges practicing judicial activism interpret the Constitution according to current social conditions and values, sometimes creating new legal precedents.

The Supreme Court case Marbury v. Madison established which principle?

• The right to privacy

• Equal protection of the law

• Judicial review

• The supremacy of state laws

Answer explanation

Marbury v. Madison (1803) established the Court’s power to declare laws unconstitutional—known as judicial review.

Which case rules that "separate but equal" education violated the 14th Amendment?

• Miranda v. Arizona

• Plessy v. Ferguson

• Roe v. Wade

• Brown v. Board of Education

Answer explanation

This 1954 case struck down racial segregation in schools as a violation of the 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause.

What is the key difference between a civil case and a criminal case?

• Civil cases always result in jail time

• Criminal cases involve personal disputes between individuals

• Civil cases involve compensation; criminal cases involve punishment

• Criminal cases are only heard in state courts

Answer explanation

Civil law deals with disputes between individuals, while criminal law involves offenses against society with possible imprisonment or fines.

Which best describes a felony?

• A minor offense that usually results in a fine

• A serious crime that may result in imprisonment

• A violation of local city ordinance

• A case handled in small claims court

Answer explanation

A felony is a major crime such as robbery or murder, typically punished by imprisonment for more than one year.

During a trial, witnesses are called to the stand to describe what they saw.
Which step of the trial is this?

• Opening statements

• Jury deliberation

• Witness testimony

• Jury selection

Answer explanation

Witnesses share what they saw or heard during witness testimony, one of the core parts of a trial before jury deliberation.

The 4th Amendment protects citizens from:

• Cruel & unusual punishment

• Unreasonable search & seizure

• Being tried twice for the same crime

• Self-incrimination

Answer explanation

The 4th Amendment protects against searches without a warrant or probable cause.

The 5th Amendment guarantees which of the following rights?

• The right to bear arms

• The right to a public trial

• Protection from being forced to testify against yourself

• Freedom on speech

Answer explanation

The 5th Amendment’s self-incrimination clause protects individuals from having to provide evidence that could be used against them.

Which of these amendments ensures a fair and speedy trial with legal representation?

• 4th Amendment

• 6th Amendment

• 8th Amendment

• 14th Amendment

Answer explanation

The 6th Amendment protects CRIMINAL TRIAL rights, such as:

-speedy and public trial

-impartial jury

-right to a lawyer

-right to confront witnesses