AP Government Chapter 16 Terms

Requirment that plaintiffs have serious interest in a case. Depends on whether they have or will sustain direct and substantial injury from a party or action of gov't.

Permits small number of people to sue on behalf of all people similarly situated.

Requirement that to be heard a case must be capable of being settled as a matter of law rather than on other grounds.

Legal brief submitted by "friend of the court" to raise additional points of view and present info not in briefs of the formal parties.

Courts that can hear a case first, usually in a trial. Determine facts of a case.

Courts that hear cases appealled from lower courts. Don't review facts, only legal issues involved.

91 federal courts of original jurisdiction. Only federal courts where trials held and juries impaneled.

Review final decisions of district courts, except in rare cases, Also hear appeals to orders of many federal regulatory agencies.

Peak of judiciary. Ensures uniformity in interpreting national laws, resolves conflicts among states, and maintains national supremacy in law. Has both original and appellate jurisdiction, but decides own agenda.

Unwritten tradition where nominations for state-level federal judicial posts aren't confirmed if opposed by senator of president's party from state where nominee would serve. Applies to courts of appeal.

Presidential appointee and 3rd-rankind office in Dept. of Justice. In charge of appellate court litigation of federal gov't.

Statement of legal reasoning behind a judicial decision.

"Let the decision stand" in Latin. Most cases reaching appellate courts settled on this principle.

How simlar cases have been decided in the past.

How/ whether court decisions are translated into actual policy.