Essential Constitutional Vocabulary
A change or addition to the U.S. Constitution.
Amendment
A legal decision that sets an example for future cases.
Precedent
The events and circumstances that led to the case.
Background (of a case)
The first ten amendments to the Constitution, protecting individual freedoms.
Bill of Rights
The Supreme Court’s power to decide whether laws are constitutional.
Judicial Review
The person or group who brings a case to court.
Petitioner
Legal requirement that government must respect a person’s rights and follow fair procedures.
Due Process
The official decision of the Court, explaining the reasoning of most justices.
Majority Opinion
The person or group defending against the case.
Respondent
Part of the 14th Amendment guaranteeing that laws apply equally to everyone.
Equal Protection Clause
A written opinion by justices who disagree with the Court’s majority decision.
Dissenting Opinion
The long-term effect of the case on society and constitutional interpretation.
Impact
Protections against discrimination and unequal treatment under the law.
Civil Rights
The main legal issue the Court is asked to decide, based on the Constitution.
Constitutional Question
The way something (like the Constitution) is explained or understood.
Interpretation