Unit 8 Vocabulary

Law/Rule of Law Rules that are enforced by the government. NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW. Why is the law needed in our society? Why should no one be above it?

Judicial Branch The branch of the government that interprets (looks over) the law. Why is it necessary to have someone look over our work?

Court Place where legal disputes between people occur and where justice is carried out. What kinds of ‘disputes’ could people have? Why?

Supreme Court The highest and most powerful court in the United States. ”Final” Appellate court What purpose does having one court above the others serve?

Judge Decides lawsuits that are brought before courts without bias. Why might a judge need to be impartial?

Jury A group of people chosen to decide the truth during a court case. What kinds of people would one want on a jury for a drunk driving charge? Why?

Defendant The person in a criminal trial charged with a crime. In a civil case, the one being sued. What is the goal of a defendant in a court trial?

Plaintiff The person/party who brings legal action against another in a civil case. What person represents the plaintiff in a criminal case? A civil case?

Verdict A decision on a disputed issue in a civil or criminal case, the final outcome. What does the verdict signal? Who is responsible for this?

Appeal Apply to a higher court for a reversal of the decision of a lower court