Supreme Court
Definition
The Supreme Court is the highest federal court in the United States. It has ultimate appellate jurisdiction over all federal and state court cases that involve a point of federal law, and original jurisdiction over a small range of cases.
Analogy
Think of the Supreme Court as the principal of a school. Just like how a principal has the final say on important decisions within their school, the Supreme Court has the final say on legal interpretations within our country.
Related terms
Judicial Review: This is the power of courts to decide on the constitutionality of legislative enactments and executive actions.
Chief Justice: The presiding judge in a supreme court.
Constitutional Law: A body of law which defines the role, powers, and structure of different entities within a state, namely, the executive, parliament or legislature, and judiciary; as well as basic rights of citizens.
"Supreme Court" appears in:
Subjects (2)
Study guides (6)
AP US Government - 2.8 The Judicial Branch
AP US Government - 2.10 The Court in Action
AP US Government - 2.11 Checks on the Judicial Branch
AP US Government - 2.15 Policy and the Branches of Government
AP US Government - 3.4 First Amendment: Freedom of the Press
AP US Government - 3.7 Selective Incorporation & the 14th Amendment
Practice Questions (20+)
Which Supreme Court decision ruled that racial gerrymandering was unconstitutional?
What is the role of the Supreme Court in the U.S. legal system?
Can the Supreme Court overrule previous decisions and set new precedents?
What is the role of the Supreme Court in the interpretation of the law?
What is the purpose of life tenure for Supreme Court justices?
How are the Supreme Court's rulings enforced?
How does the Supreme Court ensure fairness and impartiality throughout its proceedings?
What is the role of the Supreme Court in interpreting the Constitution and the law?
What is the purpose of oral arguments in a Supreme Court case?
What is the impact of controversial or unpopular Supreme Court decisions on the Court's legitimacy?
Which of the following refers to the decisions made by a court of law, including the Supreme Court, in response to legal cases and disputes?
What is the role of the Supreme Court in the process of selective incorporation?
How can changes in Supreme Court composition impact its interpretation of law and precedents?
What principle did the Supreme Court establish in the case of Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)?
What was the ruling of the Supreme Court in Grutter v. Bollinger (2003)?
What potential consequence could arise from an imbalanced Supreme Court that leans heavily towards one ideological perspective?
Which consequence did judicial review in Marbury v Madison case have on future workings of Supreme Court?
What might occur if the Supreme Court interprets the Commerce Clause broadly?
What would be the most likely impact on states' rights if the Supreme Court had ruled differently in McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)?
How has the Supreme Court's interpretation of the Commerce Clause influenced patterns within political systems?
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