How Courts Work
What is another name for the attorney representing the government in a criminal case?
Prosecutor
What is the supreme law of the land?
The U.S. Constitution
Laws that are created by the legislative branch, such as by the Congress of the United States
Statutory law
A married couple is seeking a divorce. Will this case be heard in state or federal court?
State
True or False: The 1st amendment protects public school students engaging in non-disruptive, symbolic speech.
TRUE
In what type of case does one party sue another for loss or damages?
Civil
Name the famous case that made public school segregation illegal.
Brown V. Board of Education
What is it called when each branch of government is able to limit, or check, the power of the other two branches, so that none can become too powerful?
Checks and Balances
Your 1st amendment right to free speech has been violated. Will this case be heard in state or federal court?
Federal
The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution are known collectively as the
Bill of Rights
What is it called when a party in a law suit acts as their own attorney?
Pro se
When was the 14th amendment added to the constitution?
After the American Civil War in 1868.
A term that means that judges base their decisions on previous court rulings in similar cases. In Latin, it means "let the decision stand"
Stare decisis
Which court is considered the "court of last resort" in the federal system?
Supreme Court
At the beginning of the trial, both sides get the opportunity to give the jury an overview of the case they intend to present. This is called
Opening Statements
Name the group of citizens that decides the facts of the case, and renders a verdict in the trial.
Petit Jury
For the most part, courts will try to stay consistent in deciding similar issues. This is called
Stare decisis
Laws that are derived from the judicial branch, when the courts interpret the law and apply it to new situations.
Common Law
About how many cases does the U.S. Supreme Court review per year?
75-85
Which court was the only court specifically named and established in the U.S. Constitution?
Supreme Court
The person who makes an accurate record of everything that is said during the course of a trial is called the
Court Reporter
___ means that decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court must be followed by the federal trial and appellate courts.
Precedent
The U.S. Constitution created the three branches of government. Which article of the Constitution established the judicial branch?
Article III
Who confirms the appointment of federal judges?
The Senate
Federal judges are protected from the influence of the other two branches of government, and from popular opinion, leaving them free to make decisions based on the law. This is called
Judicial Independence