Judicial Branch Vocabulary

Precedents- an earlier event, action, or decision is regarded as the guide to be considered in subsequent similar circumstances Strict constructionist- laws and the Constitution should be strictly or literally interpreted Loose constructionist- Constitution and other laws must be interpreted in light of current political and social conditions

Jurisdiction-the right to hear a case and make legal decisions and judgments Original jurisdiction-the right to hear a case first Appellate jurisdiction-the right to hear an appeal on a case

District courts-Trial courts with juries District courts-Trial courts with juries. Handle disputes based on facts Court of appeals-Handles appeals cases from district courts. There are 13 US. Court of Appeals. They do not review the facts, only issues of law.

Briefs-summary of information that will be reviewed by the court Writ of certiorari-an order by a higher court directing a lower court, tribunal, or public authority to send the record in a given case for review. Docket-list of cases the court will hear

Majority opinion-a judicial opinion agreed to by more than half of the members of a court; the winning decision Concurring opinion-same decision as majority, but for different reasons Dissenting opinion-legal opinion expressing disagreement with the majority opinion of the Court.

Stare Decisis- the legal principle of determining points in litigation according to precedent; in effect, the decision will stay the same