- Solicitor General: The lawyer who represents the federal government before the Supreme Court.
- Judiciary Act 1801/ Midnight Judges: A law passed by the Federalist Congress that created new judgeships; President Adams appointed Federalist judges before leaving office, leading to controversy.
- Marbury v Madison: Landmark Supreme Court case establishing the principle of judicial review, allowing courts to declare laws unconstitutional.
- Article III of Constitution: Establishes the judicial branch of the U.S. government, including the Supreme Court and lower federal courts.
- State Courts: Courts operating under state law; handle most criminal and civil cases, and can hear federal questions but are not part of the federal court system.
- How a case gets to the Supreme Court: Typically through a writ of certiorari, where the Court chooses to review a case from a lower federal or state court; rare cases may come via direct appeal or original jurisdiction.
- Majority Opinion: The official decision of the Court, written by one justice and signed by at least five justices; sets binding precedent.
- Dissenting Opinion: Written by a justice who disagrees with the majority’s decision; explains why they believe the ruling is wrong.
- Concurring Opinion: Written by a justice who agrees with the outcome but for different legal reasoning than the majority.
- Affirm: When the Supreme Court upholds the decision of a lower court.
- Reverse: When the Supreme Court overturns the decision of a lower court.
- Remand: When the Supreme Court sends a case back to a lower court for further proceedings consistent with its ruling.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of judicial branch worksheet.
