Judicial Terms and Concepts

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Appellate Jurisdiction

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The authority of a court to review decisions made by lower courts.

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Circuit Courts

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Intermediate federal appellate courts covering a group of states known as a 'circuit.'

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Concurrent Jurisdiction

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When two or more courts have the authority to hear and decide a particular type of case.

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Concurring Opinion

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An opinion that agrees with the majority decision, but for different reasons.

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Court of Appeals

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A court that hears appeals from the decisions of lower courts.

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Dissenting Opinion

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An opinion that disagrees with the majority decision in a court ruling.

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District Courts

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The general trial courts of the United States federal court system.

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Exclusive Jurisdiction

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When only one court has the authority to hear a particular type of case.

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Judicial Activism

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Judicial rulings suspected of being based on personal or political considerations rather than existing law.

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Judicial Restraint

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A theory of judicial interpretation that encourages judges to limit the exercise of their own power.