Judicial System Flashcards
Cement knowledge of the Judicial System in the U.S. (27 cards)
What is the Judicial Branch?
The branch of government that interprets laws and ensures they follow the Constitution.
What is the Dual Court System?
The U.S. has both federal and state courts.
What is a Criminal Case?
A case where the government prosecutes a person accused of breaking the law.
What is a Civil Case?
A case that settles disputes between individuals or groups, usually over money or rights.
What is Original Jurisdiction?
The authority of a court to hear a case first.
What is Appellate Jurisdiction?
The authority of a court to review decisions made by lower courts.
What is the U.S. Supreme Court?
The highest court in the U.S. with limited original and appellate jurisdiction.
What is the U.S. Court of Appeals?
A federal court that reviews decisions from lower courts.
What is the U.S. District Court?
The lowest level of the federal court system with original jurisdiction.
What is the Virginia Supreme Court?
The highest court in Virginia.
What is Judicial Review?
The power of the Supreme Court to declare laws unconstitutional (established in Marbury v. Madison).
What is Due Process?
The legal requirement that the government must respect all legal rights owed to a person.
What does the 5th Amendment protect?
Protects individuals from unfair actions by the federal government.
What does the 14th Amendment ensure?
Ensures due process and equal protection under the law at the state level.
What is the Burden of Proof?
The obligation to prove one’s assertion; in criminal cases, the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
What is a Misdemeanor?
A minor crime with a less severe punishment.
What is a Felony?
A serious crime that carries a harsher punishment.
What is an Arraignment?
A court hearing where the accused is formally charged and enters a plea.
What is Bail?
Money paid to secure temporary release from jail before trial.
Who is the Plaintiff?
The person who brings a lawsuit in a civil case.
Who is the Defendant?
The person accused in a criminal case or being sued in a civil case.
What is an Appeal?
A request for a higher court to review a lower court’s decision.
What is Miranda v. Arizona?
Established that suspects must be informed of their rights when arrested.
What is Gideon v. Wainwright?
Guaranteed the right to an attorney for defendants who cannot afford one.
