| A | B |
|---|
| writ of certiorari | an order from the Supreme Court to a lower court to send up the records on a case for review |
| per curiam opinion | a brief unsigned statement of a Supreme Court decision |
| brief | a written statement setting forth the legal arguments, relevant facts, and precedents supporting one side of a case |
| amicus curiae | Latin for "friend of the court"; a written brief from an individual or goup claiming to have information useful to a court's consideration of a case |
| majority opinion | the Court's decision expressing the views of the majority of justices |
| dissenting opinion | the opinion expressed by a minority of justices in a Court case |
| judicial review | the power of the Supreme Court to declare laws and actions of local, state, or national governments unconstitutional |
| impound | refuse to spend |
| stare desisis | a Latin term meaning "let the decision stand"; the principle that once the Court rules on a case, its decision serves as a precedent on which to base other decisions |
| precedent | a model on which to base later decisions or actions |
| advisory opinion | a ruling on a law or action that has not been challenged |
| bloc | coalition that promotes a common interest |
| swing vote | the deciding vote |
