The Court System
This is the highest court in the United States
What is the Supreme Court?
This document is the supreme law of the land in the United States
What is the U.S. Constitution?
This type of tort occurs when someone intentionally harms another person
What is an intentional tort?
A legally binding agreement between two or more parties
What is a Contract?
This is the first stage of a trial, where lawyers present opening statements
What is the opening argument
These courts have the power to review decisions made by lower courts
What are appellate courts?
The first ten amendments to the Constitution are known as this
What is the Bill of Rights?
This is the legal term for failing to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm to another
What is negligence?
This type of contract is not in writing but is still enforceable based on actions
What is an implied contract?
This is the standard of proof required in a criminal trial
What is "Beyond a reasonable doubt"?
This type of jurisdiction allows a court to hear a case first, before any other court
What is original jurisdiction?
This Constitutional clause establishes that federal law takes precedence over state law
What is the Supremacy Clause?
This defense to negligence argues that the injured party was also partially at fault
What is comparative negligence?
This legal term refers to an offer, acceptance, and consideration in contract formation
What are the elements of a contract?
The process of questioning potential jurors to ensure an impartial jury
What is voir dire?
Federal judges serve for this length of time
What is life (or during good behavior)?
This amendment protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures
What is the 4th Amendment?
This tort occurs when false statements damage a person's reputation
What is defamation?
This doctrine allows a contract to be enforced, even if no consideration was given, to prevent injustice
What is promissory estoppel?
This type of witness provides expert opinions based on specialized knowledge
What is an Expert Witness?
This legal principle requires lower courts to follow the precedents set by higher courts
What is stare decisis?
This constitutional principle divides power among three branches of government
What is separation of powers?
This legal concept holds an employer responsible for the wrongful acts of an employee
What is vicarious liability?
This type of contract clause allows one party to avoid obligations due to unforeseen events
What is a force majeure clause?
The phase in a trial where attorneys summarize their arguments before the jury deliberates
What is the closing argument?