Highest court; decisions bind all courts; can overrule precedents.

Follow higher court precedents; reconcile conflicting precedents.

Appoints Supreme Court justices, impacting Court's direction.

Provides 'advice and consent' on presidential nominations to the federal judiciary.

Presides over the Court's sessions and often leads the discussion during oral arguments.

Represents the U.S. government in cases before the Supreme Court.

Serve as the trial courts of the federal court system.

Hear appeals from the district courts located within their respective circuits.

The power of the courts to declare laws unconstitutional.

Legal documents filed by outside parties to provide additional information or arguments to the court.

A previous legal decision that guides future cases with similar issues.

The principle that courts should follow precedents set by earlier, similar cases.

Courts differentiate current case facts from precedent, limiting precedent's relevance.

When a court invalidates a prior decision, setting a new rule.

A justice's political, legal, or philosophical views influencing legal interpretation.

A legal system where *stare decisis* is a cornerstone, binding judges to precedents.

A legal system where *stare decisis* is less emphasized, allowing courts to re-examine laws more freely.

Analyzing facts/reasoning of prior decision; considering legal/societal context; evaluating impact.

Lower courts must follow precedents established by higher courts within their jurisdiction.

Courts may rely on decisions from other jurisdictions or refer the case to a higher court.

Common Law: *stare decisis* is central, binding precedents. Civil Law: *stare decisis* less emphasized, laws re-examined freely.

Conservative: Follow precedent, emphasize stability. Liberal: Question precedent, adapt law to change.

Stability: Following *stare decisis* for consistency. Adaptability: Adapting to new issues and circumstances.

Individual Rights: May overrule precedent limiting rights. States' Rights: May uphold precedent supporting states' power.

US: Precedent is highly influential but can be overturned. UK: Precedent is strictly followed but is evolving.

Common Law: Constitution is interpreted through case law. Civil Law: Constitution is the primary source of law.

Common Law: Judges create law through precedents. Civil Law: Judges apply law as written in codes.

Common Law: Legal scholars analyze and critique case law. Civil Law: Legal scholars interpret and systematize legal codes.

Common Law: Juries are more common in both criminal and civil cases. Civil Law: Juries are less common, especially in civil cases.

Common Law: Statutes are interpreted in light of existing case law. Civil Law: Statutes are interpreted based on their plain meaning and legislative intent.