Government Chapter 12 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is a writ of certiorari?

A ruling on a law or action that has not been challenged

A brief unsigned statement of the Court's decision

A formal writ used to bring a case before the Supreme Court (correct)

A written statement summarizing a case

What is a per curiam opinion?

A brief, unsigned statement of the Court's decision

What is the rule of four?

Four justices must agree to hear a case before it is given a writ of certiorari.

What is a brief?

A written statement by an attorney that summarizes a case and the laws and rulings that support it. Signup and view all the answers

What is an amicus curiae?

A brief submitted by a 'friend of the court'. Signup and view all the answers

What problems might a person have while defending himself or herself in court?

There would be a backup of trials, trials would not be speedy. Signup and view all the answers

What is a majority opinion?

A statement that presents the views of the majority of Supreme Court justices regarding a case. Signup and view all the answers

What is a dissenting opinion?

A statement written by a justice who disagrees with the majority opinion. Signup and view all the answers

What steps does the Supreme Court take in selecting, hearing, and deciding cases?

A brief is submitted; the two sides of the issue argue; conference meets; a majority opinion and dissenting opinion is written. Signup and view all the answers

Do you believe it is proper that the Court's deliberations are secret?

Yes, because the information discussed should not risk being leaked to the public. Signup and view all the answers

What is judicial review?

Authority given to the courts to review the constitutionality of acts by the executive/state/legislature. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to impound in a legislative context?

To refuse to spend money that Congress has appropriated. Signup and view all the answers

What is stare decisis?

Let the decision stand; decisions are based on precedents from previous cases. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of precedent?

A law established by following earlier judicial decisions. Signup and view all the answers

What is an advisory opinion?

A ruling on a law or action that has not been challenged. Signup and view all the answers

What three ways can the Supreme Court determine public policy?

Using judicial review, interpreting the meaning of laws, overruling or reversing its previous decisions. Signup and view all the answers

What are five limits on Supreme Court powers?

Types of issues, types of cases, control over agenda, enforcement power, checks and balance. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Writ of Certiorari

Formal document to bring a case before the Supreme Court.

Per Curiam Opinion

Brief, unsigned statement reflecting the Court's decision.

Rule of Four

Requires agreement from four justices to hear a case for a writ of certiorari.

Legal Brief

A written argument summarizing a case along with supporting laws and rulings.

Amicus Curiae

"Friend of the court"; a brief submitted to assist in decision-making.

Self-Representation Challenges

Potential delays and backlog in trials violate the 6th Amendment's right to a speedy trial.

Majority Opinion

Statement representing the views of the majority of justices on a case.

Dissenting Opinion

Written by a justice who disagrees with the majority opinion, articulating alternative views.

Supreme Court Case Process

Submission of briefs followed by arguments from both sides.
Justices meet in a conference to discuss cases.
Majority and dissenting opinions are drafted.

Secrecy of Court Deliberations

Some believe confidentiality protects sensitive discussions, preventing public influence on decisions.

Judicial Review

Courts' authority to assess the constitutionality of legislative and executive actions.

Impound

The act of refusing to spend allocated funds by Congress.

Stare Decisis

Legal principle dictating that courts follow precedents from previous cases.

Precedent

Established law derived from prior judicial rulings.

Advisory Opinion

Ruling on a law or action that hasn’t been contested.

Public Policy Determination

Through judicial review, interpretation of laws, and reversing past decisions.

Limits on Supreme Court Powers

Scope of issues: Limited focus on civil liberties, economic matters, and lawsuits against officials.
Criteria for cases: Only hears cases that result in significant decisions; actual harm must be demonstrated.
Agenda Control: Receives cases from the legal system without self-directed agenda.
Enforcement Issues: Difficulty in ensuring rulings are followed by lower courts; lack of oversight on numerous trial decisions.
Constitutional Checks and Balances: President appoints justices, Senate confirms, and Congress can remove them.

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Description

Test your knowledge of Government Chapter 12 with these flashcards covering essential terms like 'writ of certiorari' and 'per curiam opinion'. Perfect for students preparing for exams, these flashcards will help reinforce your understanding of key concepts related to the Supreme Court. Challenge yourself and master the judicial vocabulary!