Chapter 8

• determine the facts of a case
• civil or criminal

The practice of using earlier judicial rulings as a basis for deciding cases

A ruling that is used as the basis for a judicial decision in a later, similar case

A courts authority to hear and decide cases

Authority for both state and federal courts to hear and decide cases

The authority of a court to hear a case appealed from a lower court

Auhority of only federal courts to hear and decide cases

A court that reviews decisions made in lower district courts

The area of jurisdiction of a federal court of appeals

A detailed explanation of the legal thinking behind a courts decision in a case

A statement written by a justice who disagrees with the majority opinion, presenting his or her opinion

A statement written by a justice who votes with the majority, but for different reasons