Court Decisions
What is the Supreme Court?
The highest and most powerful court in the country, make up of nine judges who get the final say on what the Constitution means.
What is the Judicial branch?
The part of the government that includes the court system, handles legal disagreements, and say what laws really mean.
What is the majority opinion?
The official decision of the Supreme Court that explains the legal reasons, and its supported by the justices on that side
What is Judicial review?
The federal courts' most important power, the authority to interpret the Constitution.
What is a dissenting opinion?
A paper written by a justice or group of justices who disagree with the final ruling of the majority
What is the Constitution?
The main law book and like the foundation for all of the United States government that no other law can override.
What is a Jury?
A group or regular citizens who sit in a courtroom listen to all the evidence, and decide if they think someone is guilty or not.
What do supporters of judicial restraint do?
point out that appointed judges are immune to public opinion
What is the Rule of Four?
If four justices vote to hear a case, all nine agree to it.
What is judicial activists believe?
That the federal courts must correct injustices that are perpetuated or ignored by the other branches.