| A | B |
|---|
| statutory Laws | Laws that are passed by lawmaking bodies such as Congress, state and local governments. |
| precedent | Earlier decision (a judge would follow the decision made by another judge in the hearing of a similar case.) |
| common law | Law that comes from another judges' decisions (made repetitively over time) |
| administrative laws | Laws made by government agencies |
| constitutional laws | Law based on the Constitution and on Supreme Court decisions interpreting the Constitution |
| petit jury | A trial jury is also called a petit jury (made up of 6 to 12 persons who live in the community) |
| jurors | Men and women of a trial jury who judge evidence and determine the verdict in a court case. |
| jury duty | Serving on a jury |
| verdict | A decision of a jury |
| hung jury | If a jury cannot reach a verdict |
| cross-examine | Question an opponent's witness in court |
| testimony | Evidence given in court by a witness |
| appeal | The right of a convicted person to ask a higher court to review his or her case |
| jurisdiction | The authority to interpret and administer the law |
| original jurisdiction | The authority to be the first courts to hold trials in certain kinds of cases. (In which most federal cases are heard.) |
| appellate jurisdiction | The authority of some courts to review decisions made by lower courts |
| district courts | A lower federal court that has original jurisdiction in most cases involving federal laws |
| marshal | Arrest persons accused of breaking federal laws. Also deliver court orders. Sit in courtrooms and see that the court's verdicts are carried out. |
| subpoena | Official court orders that require persons to appear in court. |
| federal magistrate | Officials that hear evidence against accused persons and decide whether the cases should be brought before a grand jury also hear some minor cases. |
| court of appeals | Courts that review cases that are appealed from the district courts. Hear appeals from decisions of federal regulatory commissions. |
| circuit | The judicial district covered by th U.S. Court of Appeals |
| territorial courts | Established by Congress to administer justice to the people living in U.S. territorial possessions. |
| court martial | A trial by a military officer. |
| justice | A member of The Supreme Court (judges) |
| judicial review | Court has the power to determine whether a law is in accord with the Constitution. |
| unconstitutional | In conflict with the Constitution of the United States |
| docket | A calendar of cases to be heard by the court |
| remand | Return a case to a lower court for a new trial |
| opinion | A written statement explaining its reasoning behind a decision |
| concurring opinion | A statement written by a Supreme Court justice who agrees with the majority's decision but for different reasons |
| dissenting opinion | A statement written by a Supreme Court justice who disagrees with the majority's decision |
