Judicial Vocabulary
Precedent

Court decision that stands as an example
to be followed in future, similar cases.
Judicial Branch

Branch of government that
includes the Supreme Court
and all other courts created
by the Constitution and
Congress
Marbury v Madison

Decision written by Chief Justice Marshall,
established the evaluation of federal laws’
constitutionality, or “judicial review” as a
power of the Supreme Court.
McCulloch v Maryland

Case concerning whether or not states are
allowed to tax the Federal Government.
Gibbons v Ogden

Case that examines the power of Congress
to regulate interstate commerce.
dual court system


FEDERALISM!
There is a national judiciary that includes
all the Federal Courts and the many courts
in each state.
Voting Rights Act of 1965

Outlaws discriminatory practices at the
polls – No literacy tests
original jurisdiction

The power to hear a case first, before any
other court.
Miranda v Arizona

Case that made it necessary to inform the
accused of his or her rights.
jurisdiction

Authority to hear a case.
due process of law

The government must act fairly and in
accord with established rules in all that it
does.