Ss Flashcards
(16 cards)
Crime
Any act that breaks the law for which the punishment has been established
Criminal law
The body of law that regulates the conduct of individual as members of the state
Civil law
The body of law that governs relationships among individuals and defines people’s rights
Common law
Customary law that develops from judges decisions and is followed in situations not covered by statutory laws
Precedent
An earlier decision that guides judges decisions in later cases
Constitutional law
Law based on the US constitution and Supreme Court decisions
Appeal
The right of a convicted person to ask a higher court to review their case
Jurisdiction
The authority to interpret and administer the law also the range of authority
District courts
Lower federal courts that have original jurisdiction in most cases involving federal laws
Original jurisdiction
A court has the authority to review a case for the first time
Courts of appeals
Federal courts that review decisions appealed from district courts
Appellate jurisdiction
The authority of some courts to review decisions made by lower courts
Justices
Judges of the Supreme Court
Judicial review
Courts power to decide whether a law or presidential action is in agreement with the constitution
Concurring opinion
Explanation of a justice who agrees with the decision of the majority but for different reasons
Dissenting opinion
Explanation of the reasoning of justices who disagree with a majority Supreme Court decision
