Supreme Court Landmark Decisions
This 1966 decision established that suspects must be informed of their right to remain silent and their right to an attorney before custodial interrogation.
What is Miranda v. Arizona?
Meaning "for the public good," this phrase describes legal work done voluntarily and without charge.
What is pro bono?
Freedom of religion, speech, the press, assembly, and petition are all protected under this amendment.
What is the First Amendment?
In civil cases, it is "preponderance of the evidence," but in criminal prosecutions, the state must prove guilt to this standard.
What is beyond a reasonable doubt?
This character defends Tom Robinson in the classic 1960 novel "To Kill a Mockingbird"
Who is Atticus Finch?
In 1954, the Warren Court unanimously ruled that racial segregation in public schools violates the Equal Protection Clause in this historic case.
What is Brown v. Board of Education?
Translated as "to stand by things decided," this fundamental doctrine obligates courts to follow prior judicial precedents.
What is stare decisis?
This constitutional protection under the Fifth Amendment bars the government from prosecuting someone twice for the exact same crime.
What is protection against double jeopardy?
French for "to speak the truth," this process refers to the preliminary examination and questioning of prospective jurors.
What is voir dire?
"Better Call Saul" tracks Jimmy McGill’s transformation into the flamboyant criminal lawyer introduced in this AMC drama.
What is Breaking Bad?
Chief Justice John Marshall established the principle of judicial review in this foundational 1803 ruling.
What is Marbury v. Madison?
Often used in product liability and medical malpractice, this doctrine literally translates to "the thing speaks for itself."
What is res ipsa loquitur?
Under the Fourth Amendment, law enforcement generally must establish this standard of reasonable belief before obtaining a search warrant.
What is probable cause?
This court order commands a recipient to appear to give testimony or produce physical evidence.
What is a subpoena?
Originating from the 2010's drama 'Suits', this character is known for his sharp wit, competitive nature, and rivalry with Harvey Specter.
Who is Lewis Litt?
This 1963 case guaranteed the Sixth Amendment right to court-appointed counsel for indigent felony defendants in state courts.
What is Gideon v. Wainwright?
A criminal conviction typically requires an actus reus alongside this concept, Latin for a "guilty mind."
What is mens rea?
Found in both the 5th and 14th Amendments, this clause guarantees fair legal procedures before depriving anyone of "life, liberty, or property."
What is the Due Process Clause?
From the Latin for "friend of the court," this term denotes an uninvited or outside party that submits a brief advising the bench on a matter of law.
What is an amicus curiae?
Author John Grisham introduced tax law recruit Mitch McDeere, who discovers his high-paying Memphis firm is a front for the Mafia, in this 1991 legal thriller.
What is The Firm?
This 1857 ruling held that African Americans could not be citizens and struck down the Missouri Compromise, accelerating the run-up to the Civil War.
What is Dred Scott v. Sandford?
Translated as "you may have the body," this ancient prerogative writ safeguards individuals from unlawful detention.
What is habeas corpus?
Article I, Section 9 explicitly forbids this type of retroactive criminal legislation that punishes an act that was legal when committed.
What is an ex post facto law?
This rule mandates that evidence obtained in violation of a defendant’s Fourth Amendment rights cannot be used at trial, along with any "fruit of the poisonous tree."
What is the exclusionary rule?
In A "Few Good Men", Lt. Daniel Kaffee famously demands the truth from this Marine colonel played by Jack Nicholson.
Who is Nathan R. Jessep?