Chapter 15 Federal Courts

The phrase stare decisis means

"let the decision stand."

The size of the U.S. Supreme Court is set by

Congress.

What is the significance of dissenting opinions?

Dissents are signs that the Court is in disagreement on an issue and could change its ruling.

Why is the Supreme Court case of Marbury v. Madison important?

In this case, the Court authorized itself to exercise judicial review over laws passed by Congress.

The power of the Supreme Court to review state actions and legislation comes from

Marbury v. Madison.

Which of the following statements about the U.S. Courts of Appeals is incorrect?

The appeals courts are able to hear all cases involving federal law, but not constitutional law.

What is the main function of the chief justice of the Supreme Court?

The chief justice presides over the Court's public sessions and private conferences.

A single lawsuit involving thousands of smokers suing a tobacco company would be a good example of

a class-action suit.

In which type of case does the Supreme Court have original jurisdiction?

any case involving the Constitution

In most circumstances, a supreme court is best described as a(n) ______ court.

appellate

In recent years, federal court appointments have

been characterized by intense partisan and ideological efforts to support or defeat the candidate.

The written document in which attorneys explain why the court should rule in favor of their client is called a(n)

brief.

If a private individual brought a suit against a corporation for breaking a contract, what kind of law would this involve?

civil

When justices agree with the ruling of a court majority but not all of its reasoning, they may often write a(n)

concurrence.

In Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court was required to rule on the issue of ______, due to the fact that the pregnancy had already come to term.

decisis

Activist judges believe that the courts should

go beyond the words of a constitution or statute to consider the broader societal implications of its decisions.

The requirement of standing means that parties in a case must

have a concrete injury or interest at stake.

Through the exercise of ______, the Supreme Court has held actions or laws of the executive and legislative branches unconstitutional.

judicial review

How many justices currently serve on the Supreme Court?

nine

The party that brings a complaint in court is called the ______, and the one against whom the complaint is brought is called the ______.

plaintiff; defendant

What did the framers call the "least dangerous branch"?

the Supreme Court

Cases between two or more states are originally heard by

the Supreme Court.

Which of the following best describes the role of the solicitor general?

the lawyer who represents the United States before the Supreme Court in cases where the federal government is a party