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Chapter 8
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Circuit | The area of jurisdiction of a federal court of appeals |
Jurisdiction | A court's authority to hear and decide case |
Exclusive jurisdiction | Authority of only federal courts to hear and decide cases |
Concurrent jurisdiction | Powers shared by the state and federal governments |
District court | 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 counts |
Appellate jurisdiction | The authority of a court to hear a case appealed from a lower court |
Remand | To send a case 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 a 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 | In both the houses of representatives and the senate, the political party to which more than half the members belong |
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 for 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 |