📚 Topic Summary
The Supreme Court, the highest court in the United States, has limited jurisdiction. Most cases that reach the Supreme Court do so through a specific process. This typically begins in a lower court, either a state court or a federal district court. If a party is unsatisfied with the lower court's decision, they can appeal the case to a higher court. The case must involve a question of federal law or the U.S. Constitution to be eligible for Supreme Court review. The Supreme Court receives thousands of petitions each year but only hears a small fraction of them. The 'Rule of Four' dictates that at least four justices must agree to hear a case for it to be granted certiorari (a writ ordering a lower court to send up the record of a case for review).
🧠 Part A: Vocabulary
Match the following terms with their definitions:
- Certiorari
- Jurisdiction
- Appellant
- Amicus Curiae
- Precedent
Definitions:
- A legal principle or rule established in a prior court case that can be used as a basis for a decision in a similar case.
- The authority of a court to hear and decide a case.
- A "friend of the court" brief, filed by an individual or organization to present arguments in addition to those presented by the immediate parties to a case.
- A writ or order by which a higher court reviews a decision of a lower court.
- The party who appeals a decision to a higher court.
Answer Key:
- Certiorari - 4
- Jurisdiction - 2
- Appellant - 5
- Amicus Curiae - 3
- Precedent - 1
✍️ Part B: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the following paragraph using the words provided below:
The Supreme Court's power of _________ _________ allows it to review the actions of the other branches of government. Cases reach the Supreme Court primarily through the _________ process. The _________ General plays a key role in deciding which cases the government will appeal to the Supreme Court. The concept of _________ dictates that courts should follow established rulings when deciding similar cases.
Word Bank: judicial review, solicitor, appeals, precedent
Answer Key:
The Supreme Court's power of judicial review allows it to review the actions of the other branches of government. Cases reach the Supreme Court primarily through the appeals process. The Solicitor General plays a key role in deciding which cases the government will appeal to the Supreme Court. The concept of precedent dictates that courts should follow established rulings when deciding similar cases.
🤔 Part C: Critical Thinking
Explain how the Supreme Court's selection of cases impacts its ability to shape public policy.