Judicial branch vocab Flashcards
The view that judges should decide cases strictly on the basis of the language of laws and the Constitution.
judicial restraint
The view that judges should apply the principles and provisions of the Constitution to modern circumstances
judicial activism
Federal courts authorized by Article III of the Constitution that keeps judges in office for life during good behavior.
constitutional courts
The lowest federal courts that have original jurisdiction over most federal cases.
district courts
Federal courts that hear appeals from district courts. They review each case for possible errors.
courts of appeals
The highest court in the United States, made up of nine justices.
supreme court
Courts created by Congress for specialized purposes, such as the U.S. Tax Court.
legislative courts
A consideration of the political ideology of a nominated judge.
litmus test
The power of the courts to declare laws unconstitutional.
judicial review
An order by a higher court directing a lower court to send up a case for review.
writ of certiorari
Landmark Supreme Court case that established the court’s power of judicial review.
marbury v. madison
the party that initiates a lawsuit
plaintiff
a legal rule stating who is authorized to start a lawsuit
standing
The principle set by the court in one case that will be used as the basis for deciding future cases.
precedent
A case brought by an individual that will impact that person and all others similarly situated.
class-action suit
