judicial system test

Question 1

define rule of law

Answer 1

no individual, organization or govt official is above the law

Question 2

what is the role of the judicial branch

Answer 2

interprate the law

Question 3

what article of the constitution lays out the plan for the judicial branch

Answer 3

article 3

Question 4

how can the judicial branch check the other 2 branches

Answer 4

the judicial branch can find laws unconstitutional and declare they cant be enforced

Question 5

define judicial review

Answer 5

the power of the courts to declare a law made by the govt unconstitutional

Question 6

who appoints and confirms supreme court justices

Answer 6

they’re appointed by the president and confirmed by the senate

Question 7

define trial court

Answer 7

a court of law where cases are tried first

Question 8

define appellate court

Answer 8

a court that hears appeals from lower courts and reviews decisions for errors

Question 8

define criminal court

Answer 8

a law court that deals with cases involving crimes

Question 8

define civil court

Answer 8

hear cases where one person or group thinks another person or group should pay for causing harm

Question 8

define jurisdiction

Answer 8

which court will hear your case

Question 8

what type of court has original jurisdiction

Answer 8

trial courts

Question 9

what type of courts has appellate jurisdiction

Answer 9

appellate courts, supreme court

Question 10

define plaintiff

Answer 10

the party accusing someone of damage

Question 11

define defendant

Answer 11

the person being accused

Question 12

define prosecutor

Answer 12

the legal representative who brings criminal charges against a defendant on behalf of the govt

Question 13

what is the role of the judge in the courtroom

Answer 13

the judge in the courtroom oversees proceedings, ensures fairness, and interprets and applies the law

Question 14

what is the role of the jury in the courtroom

Answer 14

the jury in the courtroom assess evidence, determines facts, and reaches a verdict in a trial

Question 15

why do most legal cases never go to trial

Answer 15

most legal cases don’t go to trial due to settlements in civil cases or plea bargains in criminal cases

Question 16

when can a person appeal a case

Answer 16

a person can appeal a case if there are legal errors, constitutional violations, or mistakes during the trial

Question 17

define due process

Answer 17

the fair treatment and protection of legal rights in the legal system

Question 18

define dual court system

Answer 18

the coexistence of federal and state court systems in the united states

Question 19

how many cases are heard by the supreme court each year

Answer 19

the supreme court hears around 100-150 cases each year

Question 20

what criteria are justices looking for when they choose to hear a case

Answer 20

justices consider factors like legal significance, constitutional issues, and circuit splits when choosing cases

Question 21

define writ of cert

Answer 21

an order by the supreme court to review a lower courts decision

Question 22

what is the role of a solicitor general

Answer 22

attorney for the U.S. govt

Question 23

define rule of four

Answer 23

four justices need to agree to hear a case

Question 24

define majority opinion

Answer 24

the opinion of the majority of judges in a court case

Question 25

define concurring opinion

Answer 25

an opinion written by a judge who agrees with the majority but has different reasons or additional points

Question 26

define dissenting opinion

Answer 26

the opinion of the justices who disagree with the majority

Question 27

what happens if the supreme court finds a law unconstitutional

Answer 27

it can no longer be enforced

Question 28

define judicial restraint

Answer 28

strict interpretation of the constitution

Question 29

define judicial activism

Answer 29

loose interpretation of the constitution

Question 30

define stare deciss

Answer 30

let the decision stand