Gov Chapter 16

activist approach
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Terms in this set (20)
activist approach
The view that judges should discern the general principles underlying laws or the Constitution and apply them to modern circumstances.
amicus curiae
A brief submitted by a ?friend of the court.?
brief
A written statement by an attorney that summarizes a case and the laws and rulings that support it.
concurring opinion
A signed opinion in which one or more members agree with the majority view but for different reasons.
constitutional court
A federal court authorized by Article III of the Constitution that keeps judges in office during good behavior and prevents their salaries from being reduced. They are the Supreme Court (created by the Constitution) and appellate and district courts created by Congress.
courts of appeals
Federal courts that hear appeals from district courts; no trials.
dissenting opinion
A signed opinion in which one or more justices disagree with the majority view.
district courts
The lowest federal courts; federal trials can be held only here.
diversity cases
Cases involving citizens of different states who can bring suit in federal courts.
federal-question cases
Cases concerning the Constitution, federal laws, or treaties.
in forma pauperisA method whereby a poor person can have his or her case heard in federal court without charge.judicial restraint approachThe view that judges should decide cases strictly on the basis of the language of the laws and the Constitution.judicial reviewThe power of courts to declare laws unconstitutional.litmus testAn examination of the political ideology of a nominated judge.opinion of the CourtA signed opinion of a majority of the Supreme Court.plaintiffThe party that initiates a lawsuit.political questionAn issue the Supreme Court will allow the executive and legislative branches to decide.remedyA judicial order enforcing a right or redressing a wrong.stare decisisLet the decision stand, or allowing prior rulings to control the current case.writ of certiorariAn order by a higher court directing a lower court to send up a case for review.