Home > Flashcards > Political Studies > Chapter 16

Details Title: Chapter 16 Description: Heinecke Total Flash Cards: 23 Created: 09/26/2006 22:28:18	To study from this set of flash cards, or to create your own your own study flash cards, register HERE. If you are already a registered user, CLICK HERE.
Cards Term constitutional court Definition a federal court authorities by aritcle III of the constitution that keeps judges in office during good behavior and prevents their salaries from being reduced. Term district courts Definition lowest federal courts; federal trials can be held only here. Term courts of appeals Definition federal courts that haear appeals from district courts; no trials Term legislative courts Definition courts created by congress for specialized purposes whose judges do not enjoy the protections of article III of the Constitution. Term litmus test Definition examination of the political ideology of a nominated judge. Term federal-question cases Definition cases concerning the constitution, federal laws, or treaties. Term diversity cases Definition cases involving citizens of different states who can bring suit in federal courts Term writ of certiorari Definition an order by a higher court directing a lower court to send up a case for review Term in forma pauperis Definition method whereby a poor person can have his or her case heard in federal court without charge. Term fee shifting Definition rule that allows a plaintiff to recover costs from the defendant if the plainttiff wins Term plaintiff Definition party that initiates a lawsuits Term standing Definition legal rule stating who is authorized to start a lawsuit Term sovereign immunity Definition rule that a citizen cannot sue the gov. withough the gov.'s consent Term class-action suit Definition case brought by someone to help him or her and all others who are similarly situated. Term brief Definition written atatement by an attorney that sumamrizes a case and the laws and and rulings that support it Term amicus curiae Definition a brief submitted by a friend of the court Term per curiam opinion Definition a brief unsigned court opinion Term opinion of hte court Definition a signed opinion of a majority of the superem court Term concurring opinion Definition signed opinion in which one or more memebrs agree with the majority view but for different reasons Term dissenting opinion Definition signed opinon in which one or more justices disagree with the majority view. Term stare decisis Definition let the decision stand or allowing prior rulings control the current case Term political question Definition an issue the supreme court will allow the executive and legislative branches decide Term remedy Definition judicial order enforcing a right or redressing a wrong