Foundations
This article of the Constitution establishes the judicial branch.
What is Article III?
The lowest level of federal courts where trials occur.
What are district courts?
Individuals who assist justices with research and drafting opinions.
What are law clerks?
The branch that nominates federal judges.
What is the executive branch (President)?
Judges who interpret the Constitution based on original meaning.
What are strict constructionists?
The only court specifically created by the Constitution.
What is the Supreme Court?
The middle level of courts that hear appeals.
What are Courts of Appeals (Circuit Courts)?
The opinion that represents the Court’s official ruling.
What is the majority opinion?
The branch that confirms federal judges.
What is the legislative branch (Senate)?
Judges who see the Constitution as a living document.
What are loose constructionists?
The landmark case that established judicial review.
What is Marbury v. Madison?
Written arguments submitted to the Court.
What are briefs?
An opinion disagreeing with the majority.
What is a dissenting opinion?
The Senate committee that reviews nominees.
What is the Senate Judiciary Committee?
The belief judges should defer to elected branches.
What is judicial restraint?
The power of a court to hear a case.
What is jurisdiction?
The document used to request the Supreme Court hear a case.
What is a writ of certiorari?
An opinion agreeing with the decision but for different reasons.
What is a concurring opinion?
The number of votes needed to confirm a justice.
What is a simple majority (51 votes)?
The belief judges should actively shape policy.
What is judicial activism?
This type of jurisdiction allows a court to hear a case first.
What is original jurisdiction?
The legal concept meaning “let the decision stand.”
What is stare decisis?
The person who assigns the opinion if in the majority.
Who is the Chief Justice?
One major factor presidents consider when selecting judges.
What is ideology / experience / political support?
The debate between these two philosophies centers on this question.
What is how much power courts should have?