7 Questions
What is the significance of appellate decisions, including those made by the Supreme Court, in the legal system?
They carry the weight of law and must be followed by lower courts within their jurisdiction in future cases.
What is the term used to describe a legal decision that must be applied in future cases involving substantially similar facts and law?
Precedent.
What is the legal doctrine that requires courts to follow precedents in subsequent cases?
Stare decisis.
What is the key difference between common law and statutory law?
Common law is created by judicial decision, while statutory law is passed by legislatures.
What is an example of a common law requirement established by a Supreme Court ruling?
The requirement that legislative districts must contain roughly equal populations, as established in Baker v Carr (1962).
What is an example of a statutory law that impacts voting rights?
The Voting Rights Act of 1965, which outlawed literacy tests for voting.
What is the primary reason lower courts must follow appellate court decisions within their jurisdiction?
To ensure consistency in the legal system
Test your knowledge of the significance of appellate court decisions, including those made by the Supreme Court, and how they impact future cases. Learn about the role of precedents in shaping legal outcomes and the importance of conforming to Supreme Court decisions.
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