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Chapter 10, section 1
Justice in America
17
Political Studies
9th Grade
04/05/2010

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Cards

Term
plaintiff
Definition
an individual or a group of people who bring a complaint against another party to court
Term
defendant
Definition
the party who defends against a complaint
Term
prosecution
Definition
the government body who brings a criminal charge against a defendant
Term
precedent
Definition
guideline for how simialr cases should be decided in the future, court decisions can establish them
Term
original jurisdiction
Definition
the authority to hear a case first
Term
appeal
Definition
ask a higher court to review their case
Term
appellate jurisdiction
Definition
have the authority to hear an appeal
Term
Laws and Courts
Definition
was it done on purpose?
has the law been broken?
innocent or guilty?
repay?
decided by the people involved or people within the legal system
Term
What Courts Do
Definition
apply the law to an actual situation
Term
criminal case
Definition
person innocent or guilty?
Term
civil case
Definition
settles a disagreement
Term
the parties in the conflict
Definition
plaintiff vs. defendant (civil case)
prosecution "the people" (criminal)
Term
the members of the court
Definition
judge: determines which side's argument is most in keeping with the law, directs proceedings, remain neutral
jury: decides the facts of a case
Term
interpreting the law
Definition
decides what the law in question means
decide if the law is allowed by the constitution
Term
State Courts and Federal Courts
Definition
most legal cases begin in a lower court
each state has different leveled courts and different purposes ex: juvenile and traffic court
Term
jurisdiction
Definition
original jurisdiction determines the facts
appeal court doesn't hold a trial or determines the facts, it reviews legal issues involved
plaintiff or defendant can appeal and then it can be affirmed
Term
Cases Heard by Federal Courts
Definition
cases involving federal laws and issues beyond the authority of individual states: have original jurisdiction
cases appealed from state supreme courts: involve a federal law or a constitutional issure
U.S. Supreme Court: federal judicial branch, leadership role in our legal system, 50 states interpret constitution in same way and all americans rights are protected
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