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

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. They are the Supreme Court (created by the Constitution) and appellate and district courts created by Congress.

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

the middle level of the federal judiciary; these courts review and hear appeals from the federal district courts

the highest level of the federal judiciary, which was established in Article III of the Constitution and serves as the highest court in the nation

a court created by Congress under Article I of the U.S. Constitution whose judges are subject to removal from office and salary reduction

is a question asked of a potential candidate for high office, the answer to which would determine whether the nominating official would proceed with the appointment or nomination

the authority of the Supreme Court to strike down a law or executive action if it conflicts with the Constitution

The primary means to petition the court for review is to ask it to grant a ____________. This is a request that the Supreme Court order a lower court to send up the record of the case for review...Under certain instances, one Justice may grant a stay pending review by the entire Court.

a Supreme Court decision that established judicial review over federal laws

Lawsuit brought by an individual or a group of people on behalf of all those similarly situated. defendant. In a criminal action, the person or party accused of an offense.

a person or group who brings a case in court

the legal ability to bring a case in court

a judicial decision that guides future courts in handling similar cases

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

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

A legal document submitted by lawyers to courts. It sets forth the facts of a case, summarizes any lower court decisions on the case, gives the arguments for the side represented by the lawyer filing the ________, and discusses decisions in other cases that bear on the issue.

a brief filed by someone who is not a party to a case in an attempt to persuade the court to agree with the arguments set forth in the brief

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

an opinion that agrees with the majority decision, offering different or additional reasoning that does not serve as precedent

an opinion that disagrees with the majority opinion and does not serve as precedent

the practice of letting a previous decision stand

An unwritten tradition whereby nominations for state-level federal judicial posts are not confirmed if they are opposed by a senator from the state in which the nominee will serve. The tradition also applies to courts of appeal when there is opposition from the nominee's state senator.

refers to a convention that for certiorari to be granted by the U.S. Supreme Court, four justices must vote in favor of the grant. The rule ordains that the votes of four Justices are needed to grant certiorari and bring a case before the Court for decision on the merits.

a constitutional provision for a process by which changes may be made to the Constitution.