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judicial branch
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| crime | any act that breaks the law and for which a punishment has been established. |
| criminal law | legal system deals with crimes or actions |
| civil law | resolving disagreements between individuals or groups not again the state |
| common law | law that develops from judges decision |
| precedent | an earlier court decision that guides judges decisions in larger cases |
| constitutional law | law based on the u.s consitution and supreme court decisions |
| appeal | the right of a convicted person to ask a higher court to review their case |
| jurisdiction | The area of authority to hear a court case and enforce the law |
| district courts | lower federal courts that have original jurisdiction in most cases involving federal law |
| courts of appeals | federal courts that review decisions appealed from district courts |
| justices | title given to judge of the supreme court |
| judicial review | The power of the supreme court it determines if a law passed by Congress or a presidential action goes against the constitution |
| opinion | a written statement by the US supreme court explaining it reasoning behind a decision but for different reasons |
| concurring opinion | a statement written by a supreme court justice who agrees with the majority decision but for different reasons |
| dissenting opinion | a statement written by a supreme court justice who disagrees with the majority decision. |