AP GOV - Class Action Suits Flashcards
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Questions and Answers

What are class action suits?

  • Lawsuits that deal with international law
  • Lawsuits in which a small number of people sue on behalf of all people in similar circumstances (correct)
  • Lawsuits that are brought by government entities
  • Lawsuits involving individuals who file on their own

    • What are amicus curiae briefs?

    Legal briefs submitted by a 'friend of the court' to influence a court's decision.

    What is original jurisdiction?

    The jurisdiction of courts that hear a case first, usually in trial.

    What is appellate jurisdiction?

    <p>The jurisdiction of courts that hear cases brought to them on appeal from lower courts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are district courts?

    <p>The 91 federal courts of original jurisdiction.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are courts of appeal?

    <p>Appellate courts empowered to review final decisions of district courts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the Supreme Court?

    <p>The pinnacle of the American judicial system.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is senatorial courtesy?

    <p>An unwritten tradition whereby nominations for state-level federal judicial posts are usually not confirmed if opposed by a senator from the state.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the rule of four?

    <p>Requirement that a case must receive four votes from justices to be heard by the Supreme Court.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a writ of certiorari?

    <p>A formal writ used to bring a case before the Supreme Court.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who is the solicitor general?

    <p>A presidential appointee who oversees appellate litigation for the federal government.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an opinion in legal terms?

    <p>A statement of legal reasoning behind a judicial decision.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a dissenting opinion?

    <p>An opinion written by a justice who disagrees with the majority decision.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a concurring opinion?

    <p>An opinion that agrees with the majority but differs in reasoning.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does stare decisis mean?

    <p>A Latin phrase meaning 'let the decision stand.'</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is precedent in legal context?

    <p>How similar cases have been decided in the past.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is judicial implementation?

    <p>How court decisions are translated into actual policy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who was John Marshall?

    <p>The U.S. Chief Supreme Court Justice from 1801-1835.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is Marbury v. Madison known for?

    <p>The case that established the power of judicial review over acts of Congress.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is judicial review?

    <p>The power of the courts to determine if acts of Congress are in accord with the U.S. Constitution.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is judicial restraint?

    <p>A philosophy where judges minimize their policy-making roles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is judicial activism?

    <p>A philosophy where judges make bold policy decisions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is political activism?

    <p>Political participation, campaigning, and supporting a political party or platform.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Class Action Suits

    • Involve lawsuits where a small group represents a larger group in similar circumstances, promoting efficiency in legal proceedings.

    Amicus Curiae Briefs

    • Submitted by "friends of the court" to provide additional perspectives and influence court decisions with information not presented by the formal parties.

    Jurisdictions

    • Original jurisdiction refers to courts that hear a case first, establishing the facts, while appellate jurisdiction handles appeals without reviewing factual records.

    Federal Court System

    • District courts are federal courts with original jurisdiction where trials occur and juries are empaneled.
    • Courts of appeal review final decisions from district courts and some federal regulatory agency orders.

    Supreme Court

    • The highest court in the U.S., ensuring consistent interpretation of national laws, resolving state conflicts, and holding both original and appellate jurisdiction.

    Senatorial Courtesy

    • An unwritten tradition preventing the confirmation of judicial nominees opposed by a senator from the president's party in the nominee's home state.

    Rule of Four

    • A Supreme Court case requires the agreement of four justices to be heard, ensuring a minority can influence the court's agenda.

    Writ of Certiorari

    • A formal request to the Supreme Court to review a lower court's decision.

    Solicitor General

    • A presidential appointee leading federal government litigation in appellate courts, ranked third in the Department of Justice.

    Opinions

    • An opinion provides legal reasoning for a judicial decision; dissenting opinions express disagreement with the majority, while concurring opinions support the majority verdict but differ in reasoning.

    Stare Decisis and Precedent

    • Stare decisis means "let the decision stand," guiding appellate court decisions based on prior rulings, while precedents are past case decisions that inform future rulings.

    Judicial Implementation

    • The process of translating court decisions into actual policies, relying on other government entities for enforcement.

    John Marshall

    • Served as Chief Justice from 1801-1835, presiding over landmark cases including Marbury v. Madison and McCulloch v. Maryland, shaping the judicial system.

    Marbury v. Madison

    • A pivotal 1803 Supreme Court case establishing judicial review, allowing the court to invalidate congressional acts conflicting with the Constitution.

    Judicial Review

    • The ability of courts to assess whether legislative and executive actions align with the Constitution.

    Judicial Philosophies

    • Judicial restraint emphasizes limited judicial involvement in policymaking, whereas judicial activism advocates for bold policy decisions to address unmet needs.

    Political Activism

    • Encompasses active participation in politics through campaigning, voting, and supporting political parties or platforms.

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    Description

    Explore key terms and concepts related to class action suits and political activism with these flashcards. Enhance your understanding of legal proceedings and the impact of amicus curiae briefs in shaping court decisions. Perfect for AP Government exam preparation!

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