1. Judicial Branch Vocabulary

2. Precedents- an earlier event, action, or decision is regarded as the guide to be considered in subsequent similar circumstances
Strict constructionist- laws and the Constitution should be strictly or literally interpreted
Loose constructionist- Constitution and other laws must be interpreted in light of current political and social conditions

3. Jurisdiction-the right to hear a case and make legal decisions and judgments
Original jurisdiction-the right to hear a case first
Appellate jurisdiction-the right to hear an appeal on a case

4. District courts-Trial courts with juries
District courts-Trial courts with juries. Handle disputes based on facts
Court of appeals-Handles appeals cases from district courts. There are 13 US. Court of Appeals. They do not review the facts, only issues of law.

5. Briefs-summary of information that will be reviewed by the court
Writ of certiorari-an order by a higher court directing a lower court, tribunal, or public authority to send the record in a given case for review.
Docket-list of cases the court will hear

6. Majority opinion-a judicial opinion agreed to by more than half of the members of a court; the winning decision
Concurring opinion-same decision as majority, but for different reasons
Dissenting opinion-legal opinion expressing disagreement with the majority opinion of the Court.

7. Stare Decisis- the legal principle of determining points in litigation according to precedent; in effect, the decision will stay the same