Supreme court basics
This is the number of justices who serve on the U.S. supreme court.
nine
This term refers to the supreme courts power to declare laws unconstitutional.
judicial review
This 1803 case established judicial review.
Marbury v. Madison
These are the courts where most federal cases begin.
district courts
Federal judges serve for this length of time.
life
This is the title of the justice who presides over the Supreme court.
Chief Justice
The supreme court can overturn its own precedents through this type of decision.
landmark decision
This case ruled that suspects must be informed of their rights during arrest.
Miranda v. Arizona
These courts review decisions made in lower federal courts.
courts of appeals
This is the process by which most federal judges are placed on the bench.
nomination by the president and confirmation by the senate.
This document gives the supreme court its power.
The constitution
This power allows federal courts to hear a case for the first time.
original jurisdiction
This 1954 case declared segregation in public schools in unconstitutional.
Brown v. Board of Education
There are this many regional U.S. courts of appeals
thirteen
This term describes the philosophy of judges who believe courts should avoid overturning other branches actions.
judicial restraint.
This is the minimum number of justices needed to decide to hear a case.
four
This latin term describes the courts authority to hear certain kinds of cases only after they’ve been appealed
appellate jurisdiction
This case determined that the right to privacy includes a woman’s decision to have an abortion (though later overturned)
Roe v. wade
These courts handle disputes involving taxes, veterans issues, or the armed forces.
federal courts
This opposite philosophy supports a more active role for courts in shaping public policy.
judicial activism
These are written explanations issued when justices disagree with the courts official ruling.
Dissenting opinions
This principle prevents courts from ruling on hypothetical or abstract disputes.
case or controversy requirement
This case upheld the principle that the supreme court can settle disputes between different levels of government.
McCulloch v. Maryland
This is the term for a courts authority over a specific geographic area.
territorial jurisdiction
This is the formal accusation that begins the process of removing a federal judge from office.
impeachment.