Legal Foundations
This ancient set of laws, collected by a Babylonian king, is famous for the phrase "an eye for an eye"
What is the Code of Hammurabi?
In a civil trial, this is the person who brings a lawsuit against another party.
Who is the plaintiff?
This is a mistake made by a judge regarding the law that applies to a specific case.
What is an error of law?
These courts are considered to have "general jurisdiction" because they hear the majority of cases in the U.S..
What are State Courts?
This is the name for a trial involving a violation of military law.
What is a court-martial?
This legal system, originating in England, serves as the basis for the American legal system.
What is English Common Law?
This is the term for the person or group against whom a civil or criminal suit is brought.
Who is the defendant?
This term refers to the fair administration of justice, ensuring everyone follows the same basic legal procedures.
What is procedural due process?
Federal courts have this type of jurisdiction, meaning they can only hear cases involving federal laws or the Constitution.
What is limited jurisdiction?
These individuals are appointed by the President and must be confirmed by the Senate.
Who are federal judges?
This concept states that no individual, group, or government entity is above the law
What is the Rule of Law?
The U.S. uses this type of trial system, which is a contest between two opposing sides.
What is the adversarial system?
This is the written decision of the court that states the final ruling and the reasons behind it.
What is a majority opinion?
This is the term for a federal law written by the legislative branch.
What is a statute?
If a witness lies under oath during a trial, they can be convicted of this crime.
What is perjury?
This is the power of the Supreme Court to declare laws or government actions unconstitutional.
What is Judicial Review?
This legal agreement allows a defendant to plead guilty to a lesser crime to avoid a more serious charge
What is a plea bargain?
A judge who disagrees with the majority may write this type of opinion.
What is a dissenting opinion?
The United States is divided into 94 federal judicial districts, which are then organized into 12 of these regional groupings.
What are regional circuits?
This is an attorney who works for the state and defends people who cannot afford their own lawyer.
Who is a public defender?
To ensure fairness, federal judges are appointed for this length of time so they do not have to worry about re-election or public opinion
What is a life term?
Unlike a regular jury, this group of 16–23 people decides if there is enough evidence to formally charge someone with a crime.
What is a grand jury?
This Latin term means "let the decision stand" and refers to the principle that courts should follow past precedents.
What is Stare Decisis?
These specific courts operate on reservations and hear cases involving Native Americans.
What are tribal courts?
This 1963 Supreme Court case ruled that states must provide a lawyer for defendants who cannot afford one
What is Gideon v. Wainwright?