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Supreme Court Decisions

Definition

These are rulings made by the U.S. Supreme Court, which is the highest court in the land. These decisions serve as precedents that guide lower courts' interpretations of law.

Analogy

Supreme Court decisions are like final answers on a game show – once given, they set precedent and can't be easily changed unless another Supreme Court case overturns it.

Related terms

Precedent: A legal principle, created by a court decision, which provides an example or authority for judges deciding similar issues later.

Judicial Activism: The philosophy that the courts should take an active role in solving social, political and economic problems.

Stare Decisis: A Latin term meaning "to stand by things decided." It's the doctrine of precedent, which obliges judges to follow previous court decisions.