Show:
Civil vs. Criminal Law
Supreme Court Basics
Checks and Balances
US Legal Basics
Randomly Random
100
Which court case guarantees states must provide legal counsel to a person accused of committing a crime?
Gideon v. Wainwright
100
This article created the Supreme Court.
What is Article III?
100
Which institution must provide confirmation to any federal judge?
US Senate
100
At which type of court do most criminal cases begin?
Trial courts
100
How does original jurisdiction compare with appellate jurisdiction?
Courts with original jurisdiction hear a case first--they conduct a trial where evidence is presented and witnesses testify. Courts with appellate jurisdiction review a lower court's decision and decide if the lower court made a mistake...they can change the lower court's ruling
200
Define “indict”
To formally accuse someone of committing a crime (a responsibility of a grand jury)
200
The process by which a case is appealed to the SCOTUS.
What is four of the nine Justices must agree to grant certiorari to an appeals case in order for it to be heard by the SCOTUS?
200
List two ways a Supreme Court justice can leave the Supreme Court. (Double Points for the third)
Three answers exist: They can be impeached and removed. They can retire. They can die while serving as a justice.
200
What is the goal of the plaintiff in a civil case?
The plaintiff is trying to prove that the defendant did something wrong and that the defendant should pay the plaintiff damages (money).
200
List 2 factors that play an important role in determining the nomination and confirmation of a potential federal judge. (Bonus for each additional on MY list)
Many answers exist... - political ideology - judicial experience - ability to be confirm by the US Senate - gender - race - geographic home
300
How does a plaintiff differ from a prosecutor?
A plaintiff is issuing a formal complaint against an individual. A prosecutor represents the government and is trying to prove that a defendant is guilty of committing a crime.
300
A court order to release a prisoner who is being held in violation of their rights.
What is a writ of habeas corpus?
300
Explain how interest groups can affect the judicial confirmation process.
Many answers exist... Interest groups have much to gain or lose depending upon the makeup of the Supreme Court. Because an interest group could be affected by future decisions, they can lobby Senators to support or oppose certain nominees in order to protect the interests of the interest group.
300
How does the US judicial system illustrate the principle of FEDERALISM?
Federalism means that certain powers are divided and shared between the local/state and national governments. The US court system illustrates federalism in that depending on the issue/law in conflict, one level or many levels will have jurisdiction on the issue. For example, if a person wants to challenge a speeding ticket..they would use the loca/state courts. If a person is going through bankruptcy, they would have to use the federal courts.
300
What is the main responsibility of the solicitor general?
He/she represents the US government when arguing cases at the SCOTUS.
400
The burden of proof used in criminal law.
What is confident "beyond a reasonable doubt"?
400
A brief submitted to the SCOTUS on behalf of a third party.
What is Amicus Curiae?
400
Provide an example of the President or Senate using a “litmus test” on a justice nominee.
Many possible explanations exist... ...The general idea is that the president or Senator will ask a judicial nominee how they view a CONTROVERSIAL topic (i.e. abortion, privacy, gun rights, gay marriage, etc.) in order to determine if that president or Senator will approve or disapprove of the judicial nominee.
400
Describe the principle of "stare decisis".
This legal principle whereby judges use previous court case precedents to decide current cases with similar issues/facts.
400
How does Senatorial Courtesy work?
An unwritten agreement among senators not to vote for any presidential nominee who is opposed by the senators from the nominee’s home state.
500
A medical malpractice case could be classified as this type of law.
What is tort?
500
Explain whether the Korematsu decision was an example of judicial activism or judicial restraint. (If you can remember this case from your book)
Judicial Restraint... ...because the SCOTUS did not overturn FDR's executive order that placed all Japanese Americans in internment camps.
500
1. What is a benefit of the Supreme Court being “insulated from politics”? 2. What is a drawback of the Supreme Court being “insulated from politics”?
Many possible answers exist... 1. The SCOTUS can make politically unpopular decisions without fear of being removed from office or from having their salary decreased. 2. The SCOTUS can overturn laws and actions made by democratically elected parts of government even though the SCOTUS was not chosen by the American people.
500
This rule allows the military to conduct trials of military personnel.
What is the Uniform Code of Military Justice?
500
Which character made several guest appearances in the new Guardians of the Galaxy, but is not scheduled to receive their own film (despite having their own film before the Marvel Studios Universe).
Howard the Duck.