a words
To agree with the lower court’s decision
Affirm
The party who won at trial and does not think any mistakes were made
Appellee
The decision or judgment in a trial
verdict
The party who won in the prior court and must defend that court's decision in the Supreme Court.
Respondent
Written decision by the Supreme Court
Opinion
Latin for “Friend of the Court”
Not a direct party to the case but has an interest in the outcome.
Amicus Curiae
The authority to review a lower court’s decision
Appellate Jurisdiction
A full reconsideration of a case (also called “de novo”)
Plenary Review
Involves cases where the government files charges against you; e.g., robbery, kidnapping, etc.
Criminal Law
To send the case back to a lower court
Remand
If you do not like the outcome of your case, you can ask another court to review it
Appeal
Court case decided by a judge rather than a jury
Bench Trial
The party that is asking the Supreme Court to review its case
Petitioner
When attorneys take turns making their case as to why they should win to a panel of judges/justices and answering questions in person
oral argument
Large group of people who decide if there is sufficient evidence to have a trial
Grand Jury
To set aside the judgment of the lower court
Vacate
Written arguments presented by the parties to the case for the judges or justices to consider
Brief
Latin for “to stand by things decided”
Idea that the Court bases its current decisions on the principles and rulings of past decisions (precedent)
Stare Decisis
The authority to hear a case before anyone else does; i.e., Trial Courts
Original Jurisdiction
To overturn one or more decisions made by a prior court in the case
Reverse
The party who disagrees with trial court and is asking another court to reconsider
Appellant
A civil wrong that causes a claimant to suffer loss or harm for which they can seek money damages from another person/non-government entity; e.g., a personal injury
tort
Idea that the law must be applied fairly, including notice and the opportunity to be heard.
Due Process
In an appellate case, the judges/justices meet privately after oral arguments to “vote” on the outcome of the case
At the Supreme Court, they meet twice weekly while in session and weekly when not
Conference
Citizens judging their peers in court.
Jury Duty