ap gov - unit 2 vocab Flashcards
judicial review
the power of courts to declare laws unconstitutional
judicial restraint
the view that judges should decide cases strictly on the basis of the language of the laws and the Constitution; “restrain” itself
judicial activism
Philosophy proposing that judges should interpret the Constitution to reflect THEIR/THE current conditions and values
district court
the lowest federal court:
federal trials ONLY can be held here
appellate court
aka court of appeals/second instance court;
Is any court of law that is empowered to hear an appeal of LOWER courts
senatorial courtesy
the tendency of senators to support a colleague who opposes the nomination of a candidate from their state to federal office
litmus test
an examination of the political ideology of a nominated judge
writ of certiorari
an order by a higher court directing a lower court to send up a case for review
class action lawsuit
A case brought by someone to help both themself and all others who are similarly situated
amicus curiae
A brief submitted by a “friend of the court”
opinion of the court
a SIGNED opinion of a majority of the Supreme Court
dissenting opinion
A SIGNED opinion in which one or more justices disagree with the majority view
stare decisis
“Let the decision stand”
Or allowing prior rulings to control the current case
