What is the role of the Supreme Court?
Final interpreter of the Constitution and federal law.
What is Judicial Review?
The power of the Supreme Court to declare laws or actions of the executive and legislative branches unconstitutional.
How does lifetime tenure affect justices?
Allows justices to make decisions based on the Constitution and law without political pressure.
What is the role of the President in enforcing rulings?
The President is expected to enforce the Court's rulings, but they have some discretion.
What is the role of Congress in court-curbing?
Congress can limit the Court's jurisdiction or pass laws to prevent certain appeals.
What is the role of the Senate in judicial appointments?
The Senate confirms presidential nominees to the Supreme Court.
What is the role of the Executive Branch in judicial appointments?
The President nominates justices to the Supreme Court.
Cause and effect of Presidential Appointments?
Cause: Presidents appoint justices who share their views. Effect: Potentially shifts the Court's ideology.
Cause and effect of Legislative Action on the Court?
Cause: Congress limits the Court's jurisdiction. Effect: Prevents certain appeals.
Cause and effect of Executive Branch refusal to implement court rulings?
Cause: The Executive Branch may not enforce the Court's decisions. Effect: Limits the impact and authority of the Court's rulings.
Cause and effect of Justice Kavanaugh's Confirmation (2018)?
Cause: Highly controversial confirmation process. Effect: Seen by many as politically motivated, increasing perceptions of partisanship on the Court.
Cause and effect of Justice Barrett's Confirmation (2020)?
Cause: Seen as politically motivated, leading to partisan battles. Effect: Increased perceptions of partisanship on the Court.
Define Jurisdiction.
The Court's authority to hear a case.
Define Oral Arguments.
Lawyers present their case to the justices.
What are Briefs?
Written arguments submitted by each side in a case.
Define Precedent.
Previous court decisions that guide future cases.
What is a Majority Opinion?
The decision of the majority of justices.
Define Dissenting Opinion.
Justices disagreeing with the majority.
What is a Concurring Opinion?
Justices agreeing with the outcome, but for different reasons.
Define Writ of Certiorari.
A request to have a case heard by the Supreme Court.
Define Writ of Habeas Corpus.
A legal order to produce a prisoner and justify their detention.
What are Amicus Curiae Briefs?
"Friend of the court" briefs from interested parties.
