Judicial Philosophy
Judges should interpret laws strictly based on the Constitution’s text.
What is Judicial Restraint?
The highest court in the U.S.
What is the Supreme Court?
The party who initiates a lawsuit.
Who is the Plaintiff?
The main opinion explaining the court’s decision.
What is the Majority Opinion?
The authority to hear a case first.
What is Original Jurisdiction?
Judges apply constitutional principles to modern issues.
What is Judicial Activism?
These courts hear appeals from lower courts.
What are Courts of Appeals?
A legal rule about who can start a lawsuit.
What is Standing?
An opinion agreeing with the majority but for different reasons.
What is a Concurring Opinion?
The authority to hear a case on appeal.
What is Appellate Jurisdiction?
This principle allows courts to declare laws unconstitutional.
What is Judicial Review?
The lowest federal courts with original jurisdiction.
What are District Courts?
A case brought by one person on behalf of many.
What is a Class-action Suit?
An opinion disagreeing with the majority.
What is a Dissenting Opinion?
An order to send a case up for review.
What is a Writ of Certiorari?
This Supreme Court case established judicial review.
What is Marbury v. Madison?
Created by Congress for specialized purposes.
What are Legislative Courts?
A written summary of a case by an attorney.
What is a Brief?
A previous decision used to guide future cases.
What is a Precedent?
Unwritten rule about judicial nominations.
What is Senatorial Courtesy?
“Let the decision stand” reflects this legal principle.
What is Stare Decisis?
Federal courts authorized by Article III.
What are Constitutional Courts?
A brief submitted by someone not directly involved in the case.
What is an Amicus Curiae Brief?
A test of a judge’s political ideology.
What is a Litmus Test?
Number of justices needed to grant certiorari.
What is the Rule of Four?