Definitions
This person brings a lawsuit to court.
Plaintiff
This person or group is accused or sued in a court case.
Defendant
The Supreme Court's final decision in a case is called the ________.
Ruling
US laws must follow this important document.
Constitution
This written explanation represents the opinion of more than half of the justices.
Majority Opinion
A justice who disagrees with the Court's decision writes this type of opinion.
Dissenting Opinion
Which vocabulary word describes something that follows the U.S. Constitution?
Consitiutional
This word refers to a change or addition to the Constitution.
Amendment
What vocabulary word means an earlier court decision that guides future cases?
Precedent
In Tinker v. Des Moines, the students were the ________.
Plaintiffs
The Court's decision becomes this for future courts to follow.
Precedent
Which First Amendment right was central to Tinker v. Des Moines?
Freedom of speech
Name the vocabulary word that describes the Supreme Court's official decision in a case.
Ruling
If a school district is being sued, it is the ________.
Defendant
Which type of opinion explains why the Court ruled the way it did?
Why is precedent important in the American legal system?
It helps courts make consistent decisions by following previous rulings.
Use the word constitutional in a sentence about a Supreme Court case.
Teacher Checks Validity
Explain the difference between a plaintiff and a defendant.
The plaintiff brings the case; the defendant responds to it.
What is the difference between a majority opinion and a dissenting opinion?
The majority opinion is the Court's official decision, while the dissenting opinion explains why one or more justices disagree.
Explain how a Supreme Court ruling can become precedent and affect future cases.
Future courts use the ruling as a guide when deciding similar legal issues.