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Chap. 8
Term | Definition |
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Circuit | The area of jurisdiction of a federal court of appeals |
Jurisdiction | A court's authority to hear and decide cases |
Exclusive jurisdiction | The authority of only federal courts to hear and decide cases |
Concurrent Jurisdiction | The authority for both the state and federal courts to hear and decide cases |
District Court | A federal court where trials are held and lawsuits are begun |
Original Jurisdiction | The authority to hear cases for the first time |
Appeals Court | A court that reviews decisions made in lower district courts |
Appellate Jurisdiction | The authority of a court to hear a case appealed from a lower court |
Remand | The act of sending back to a lower court to be tried again |
Opinion | A detailed explanation of the legal thinking behind a court's decision in a case |
Precedent | A ruling that is used as the basis for a judicial decision in later, similar case |
Judicial Review | The power of the Supreme Court to say whether any federal, state, or local law or government action goes against the Constitution |
Constitutional | In accordance with the Constitution |
Docket | A court's calendar, showing the schedule of cases it is to hear |
Brief | A written document explaining the position of one side or the other in a case |
Majority Opinion | A statement that presents the views of the majority of Supreme Court justices regarding a case |
Unanimous Opinion | The Supreme Court rules on a case in which all justices agree on the ruling |
Concurring Opinion | A statement written by a justice who votes with the majority, but for different reasons |
Dissenting Opinion | A statement written by a justice who disagrees with the majority opinion, presenting his or her opinion |
Stare Decisis | The practice of using earlier judicial rulings as a basis for deciding cases |