or legal consequences; a body of rules of action or conduct prescribed by controlling
authority have binding legal force.
English Common Law - answer- law developed by judges who issued their opinions
when deciding a case. The principles announced in these cases became precedent for
later judges deciding similar cases.
Statute - answer- written law enacted by the legislative branch of the federal and state
governments that establishes certain courses of conduct that covered parties must here
too.
Judicial Decision - answer- the decision about an individual lawsuit issued by federal or
state court.
Executive Order - answer- law enacted by local government bodies, such as cities in
municipalities, counties, school districts, and water districts
Stare Decisis - answer- Latin for "to stand by the decision." Adherence to precedent.
Precedent - answer- a rule of law established in a court decision. Lower courts must
follow the precedent established by higher courts.
Highest State Court - answer- the highest court in a state court system; it hears appeals
from intermediate appellate state courts and certain trial courts
Intermediate Appellate Court (court of appeal) - answer- the court that hears cases of
general nature that is not within the jurisdiction of limited-jurisdiction courts. Testimony
and evidence at trial are recorded and store for future reference
U.S. District Courts - answer- the federal court systems trial courts of general
jurisdiction
U.S. Court of Appeals - answer- the federal court systems intermediate appellate courts.
Supreme Court of United States (U.S. Supreme Court) - answer- the highest court in the
United States, located in Washington, DC. The Supreme Court was created by Article III
of the U.S. Constitution.