Misdemeanor:
a minor crime
Majority opinion:
the Supreme Court’s ruling in a case that is signed by at least five of the nine members of the Court
Senatorial courtesy:
the tradition that a senator from the same state as a nominee to a federal district court and the same political party as the president can block a nomination for virtually any reason
Exclusive jurisdiction:
the sole right to hear and decide a certain type of case, depending either on the subject matter of a case or the parties involved
Public defender:
lawyers appointed by the court to represent in criminal trials defendants who cannot afford to hire legal counsel
Dissenting opinion:
statement written by Supreme Court justices who disagree with the majority’s decision; these opinions do not have a direct legal impact on the case, but they can influence future judgments
District court:
District courts are spread throughout the country and serve as the trial courts of the federal system.
Plaintiff:
the person making a legal complaint in court
Appellant:
a person who files an appeal
Senate judiciary committee:
a standing committee of 21 U.S. senators whose role is to oversee the Department of Justice, consider executive and judicial nominations, and review pending legislation.