Misdemeanor:

a minor crime

Majority opinion:

the Supreme Court’s ruling in a case that is signed by at least five of the nine members of the Court

Senatorial courtesy:

the tradition that a senator from the same state as a nominee to a federal district court and the same political party as the president can block a nomination for virtually any reason

Exclusive jurisdiction:

the sole right to hear and decide a certain type of case, depending either on the subject matter of a case or the parties involved

Public defender:

lawyers appointed by the court to represent in criminal trials defendants who cannot afford to hire legal counsel

Dissenting opinion:

statement written by Supreme Court justices who disagree with the majority’s decision; these opinions do not have a direct legal impact on the case, but they can influence future judgments

District court:

District courts are spread throughout the country and serve as the trial courts of the federal system.

Plaintiff:

the person making a legal complaint in court

Appellant:

a person who files an appeal

Senate judiciary committee:

a standing committee of 21 U.S. senators whose role is to oversee the Department of Justice, consider executive and judicial nominations, and review pending legislation.