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| “Friend of the court” briefs by nonlitigants who wish to influence a court’s decision by raising additional points of view and information not in the briefs prepared by litigants. |
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| Cases which permit a small number of people to sue on behalf of all other people similarly affected. |
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| Courts with the power to review all final decisions of district courts, except in instances requiring direct review by the Supreme Court. |
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| Theory that judges should make bolder policy decisions to alleviate pressing needs, especially for those who are weak politically. |
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| and whether court decisions are translated into actual policy. |
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| Theory that judges should play minimal role in policymaking and leave policy decisions to the legislature. |
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| The power of courts to hold acts of Congress, and by implication the executive, in violation of the Constitution. |
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| Supreme Court case that established the notion of judicial review. |
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| statement of legal reasoning behind a decision. |
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| Theory that judges should decide cases in line with the intent of the framers. |
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| Given to a court where a case first is heard. |
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| The way similar cases have been handled in the past is used as a guide in current decisions. |
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| A tradition by which nominations for federal judicial positions are not confirmed when opposed by a senator of the president’s party from the state in which the nominee is to serve. |
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| A presidential appointee who is in charge of the appellate court litigation of the federal government. |
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| Litigants must have serious interest (potential for sustained direct and substantial injury) from a party in a case. |
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| An earlier decision should hold for the case being considered. |
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| Legislation passed by a legislature to clarify existing law, the clarification, in effect, overturning a court decision. |
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| Ensures uniformity in interpretation of national laws, resolves disputes between states, and maintains the national supremacy of the law. |
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| 1974 Supreme Court decision that required President Nixon to turn White House tapes over to the courts. |
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