Judicial Branch Questions and Answers Graded A

Judicial Branch Questions and Answers Graded A Justice member of the US Supreme Court and Maryland Supreme Court. US Supreme Court Highest Court in the United States. Appeal A request made after a trial, asking a higher court to decide whether or not the trial was conducted correctly. If the court decides the trial was not conducted properly then the case will be retried in a trial court. Judicial Review The ability of the Supreme Court to declare laws unconstitutional. The right was confirmed (approved) in the Court Case Marbury vs. Madison in 1803. Jurisdiction The right of a court to hear a case. This is based on location and type of crime committed. For instance Citrus County courts can only hear cases dealing with crimes committed inside Citrus County, and not dealing with federal or state laws. Original Jurisdiction The power of any one court to hear a case first. Supreme Court's Original Jurisdiction The US Supreme Court's ability to hear cases involving disputes between states, and cases involving foreign representatives like ambassadors. Writ of Certiorari A document that states a higher court will hear the appeal of a lower court's decision. Supreme Court will only hear cases with a writ being accepted and applied for. Majority Opinion A decision reached by most of the members of the Supreme Court. It states the reasons why they agreed to the outcome of the cases. Dissenting Opinion This is written statement by the judges who did not agree with the outcome and write the reasons why they disagreed with the decision of the Supreme Court. Trial Court the local, state, or federal court that is the first to hear a civil or criminal case. This involves hearing arguments from both sides, and sometimes involves a jury. Plaintiff The person who accuses someone of a crime or wrong-doing. Also known as the prosecutor Defendent The person who is being accused of a crime or wrong-doing. Jury A group of citizens who hears and decides the outcome of a court case. Rule of Law Idea that the law applies to everyone. Confirmed in the case of Nixon vs the United States. Criminal Law Type of law that deals with the breaking of a law. Civil Law Type of law that deals with money or a wrong-doing. Constitutional Law Type of law that deals with the meaning of the Constitution, only handled in the US Supreme Court. Verdict The decision of the court case. US District Court The only Trial Court in the federal court system. US Circuit Court of Appeals The court that hears the appeal of the court decision made in the US District Court. No juries in an appellate court. Chief Justice The head Justice of the US Supreme Court. Oversees impeachment trials in the Senate, and speaks on behalf of the Supreme Court. McCullough V. Maryland Established national supremacy; established implied powers; use of elastic clause; state unable to tax federal institution Marbury V. Madison Established judicial review Judicial Review Allows the court to determine the constitutionality of laws