The Judicial Branch Crossword Puzzle

QUESTIONS LIST: original jurisdiction : the jurisdiction of the courts that hear a case first, usually in a trial. these are the courts that determine the facts about a case, appellate jurisdiction : the jurisdiction of courts that hear cases brought to them on appeal from lower courts. these courts do not review the factual record, only the legal issues involved, district courts : the 94 federal courts of original jurisdiction. they are the only federal courts in which trials are held and in which juries may be impaneled, courts of appeal : appellate courts empowered to review all final decisions of district courts except in rare cases, supreme court : the “highest court in the land” ensuring uniformity in interpreting national laws resolving conflicts among states and maintaining national supremacy in law. it has both original jurisdiction and appellate jurisdiction, precedent : how similar cases have been decided in the past, rule of four : minimum number of justices that must be in agreement to grant the writ of certiorari, stare decisis : from latin for “let the decision stand” this doctrine holds that judicial precedent has the force of law, standing : the requirement that plaintiffs have a serious interest in a case; depending on whether they have sustained a direct injury, petitioner : the party that makes the formal action to a court for a writ of certiorari, good behavior : the clause ensures that federal judges hold their seats for life, rather than set terms or at the will of a superior, opinion : a statement of legal reasoning behind a judicial decision; the content of which may be as important as the decision itself.