| A | B |
|---|
| inferior courts | lower level of federal courts |
| jurisdiction | a court's authority to hear a case |
| exclusive jurisdiction | cases that can be heard ONLY in federal courts |
| concurrent jurisdiction | when a crime violates both federal and state laws |
| plaintiff | the person who files a lawsuit |
| defendant | person whom a complaing was filed |
| original jurisdiction | court's authority to hear a case the first time |
| appellate jurisdiction | court's authority to hear a case on appeals |
| criminal case | a defendant is tried for breaking the law |
| civil case | dispute between individuals |
| docket | court's calendar of cases to be heard |
| District Courts | courts which have original jurisdi |
| Supreme Court | highest court in the Judicial Branch |
| majority opinion | written explanation of a Supreme Court decision |
| concurring opinion | written reasons to support a Supreme Court decision |
| dissenting opinion | written statement by those opposed to the Supreme Court's decision |
| judicial review | power of court to declare a law unconstitutional |
| U.S. Courts of Appeals | courts that assist the Supreme Court |
| Constitutional Courts | courts created by Congress for judicial purposes |
| Special Courts | courts created to assist Congress with its expressed powers |
| conference | when the Supreme Court decides the case |
| judicial review | power of the courts to declare a law unconstitutional |
| writ of certiorari | orders of the Supreme Court to send up case information for review |
| rule of 4 | determines which cases the Supreme Court will hear |
