Structure of the Federal Courts
What is the highest court in the United States?
The Supreme Court!
What is the power of the courts to declare laws unconstitutional called?
Judicial Review
What type of case involves someone breaking a law?
Criminal Case
What must the Supreme Court issue in order to agree to hear a case?
A writ of cert
Which case ruled that “separate but equal” school segregation is unconstitutional?
Brown V. Board of Education
What are the two lower levels of federal courts beneath the Supreme Court?
U.S. Courts of Appeals and U.S. District Courts.
Which landmark case established judicial review?
Marbury v. Madison
What type of case involves disagreements between people or groups?
Civil case
How many justices must agree to hear a case?
At least four —“rule of 4”
Which case protected a person’s right to an attorney?
Gideon V. Wainwright
How many justices serve on the Supreme Court?
Nine
What power allows the Court to interpret the Constitution?
Constitutional interpretation (or something similar will work)
What is the party who brings a lawsuit called? (Double jeopardy)
Plaintiff!
What do lawyers present to the Court that explains their legal arguments before oral argument? (Double jeopardy)
Briefs
Which case requires police to inform people of their rights during arrest?
Miranda V. Arizona
What is the title of the justice who leads the Supreme Court?
Chief Justice
What is it called when courts use past decisions to determine current rulings?
Precedent
What is the government called when it brings charges in a criminal case?
The prosecution
What is the written explanation of the Court’s ruling called?
The majority opinion
Which case protected students’ First Amendment rights at school?
Tinker V. Des Moines
What is the main difference between appellate courts and district courts?
Appellate courts review decisions for errors; district courts conduct trials
What power lets federal courts strike down state laws that violate the U.S. Constitution?
Supremacy Clause enforcement
What type of jurisdiction allows only one court to hear a case first?
Original Jurisdiction 🤑
What is the name for an opinion written by a justice who disagrees with the majority?
Dissenting opinion
Which case requires police to inform people of their rights during arrest?
Miranda V. Arizona