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 |