Federal Court
The person who files an appeal in the Supreme Court is called this.
What is a petitioner?
The amount of Justices on the Supreme Court.
What is 9?
The only Hispanic Supreme Court Justice to serve.
Who is Sonia Sotomayor?
A justice who disagrees with the majority writes this.
What is a dissenting opinion?
This 1966 Supreme Court case required police to inform suspects of their rights before questioning.
What is Miranda v. Arizona?
There are 13 of these courts across the U.S., where all appeals are mandatory.
What are U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals?
A prior court decision that sets a rule or principle for deciding future cases
What is a precedent?
The president nominates justices and this body confirms them.
What is the Senate?
Written explanation of the Court’s decision, delivered by the majority.
What is the majority opinion?
This 1963 Supreme Court case guaranteed the right to a lawyer for criminal defendants who cannot afford one.
What is Gideon v. Wainwright?
Only about 100 of 10,000 cases presented each year are heard here.
What is the U.S. Supreme Court?
Presidents often nominate justices who share this, so they are likely to rule in line with the president’s party.
What is political ideology?
The Senate Judiciary committee questions the nominee about their background, rulings, and qualifications.
What is the confirmation hearing?
This power allows the Supreme Court to declare laws or actions unconstitutional.
What is judicial review?
In this 1974 case, the Supreme Court ruled that the president could not use executive privilege to withhold evidence in a criminal investigation.
What is United States v. Nixon?
This is the entry-level court where federal cases begin.
What are U.S. District Courts?
Making rulings based strictly on the wording of the constitution.
What is judicial restraint?
There are nine justices on the Supreme Court, including this type of justice who leads the Court.
What is the Chief Justice?
“Let the decision stand” is the meaning of this legal principle.
What is stare decisis?
The 14th Amendment clause that guarantees everyone is entitled to the legal process before being deprived of life, liberty, or property.
What is the Due Process Clause?
This document orders the Supreme Court to hear a case when 4 out of 9 justices agree to it.
What is a writ of certiorari?
When justices interpret the Constitution based on personal opinions and political beliefs, it is called this.
What is judicial activism?
This committee interviews nominees and recommends whether the Senate should confirm them.
What is the Senate Judiciary Committee?
This term refers to the Circuit Courts’ obligation to hear all appeals from lower courts.
What is mandatory review?
The 14th Amendment clause that guarantees everyone receives equal treatment under the law.
What is the Equal Protection Clause?