#1
Which court is the highest judicial body in the United States?
Supreme Court
ExplanationSupreme Court is the highest judicial body, having final authority over legal matters in the United States.
#2
Who is considered the 'Father of the U.S. Constitution'?
James Madison
ExplanationJames Madison is considered the 'Father of the U.S. Constitution' due to his significant contributions to its drafting and ratification.
#3
Who is responsible for appointing federal judges in the United States?
The President
ExplanationThe President of the United States is responsible for appointing federal judges, subject to confirmation by the Senate.
#4
Which term describes a legal dispute between two or more parties who seek money damages or specific performance rather than criminal sanctions?
Civil case
ExplanationA civil case involves a legal dispute between individuals or entities seeking monetary damages or specific performance, as opposed to criminal prosecution.
#5
In the United States, which court is typically the first to hear a case?
District Court
ExplanationDistrict Court is typically the first level of federal court where cases are heard, covering a specific geographical area and dealing with various types of cases.
#6
What is the term used for the power of the courts to review and overturn the actions of the legislative and executive branches?
Judicial oversight
ExplanationJudicial oversight refers to the authority of courts to review and nullify actions of the legislative and executive branches if they are deemed unconstitutional.
#7
Which principle states that decisions made in previous legal cases should be applied to similar cases in the future?
Stare decisis
ExplanationStare decisis is the legal principle of deciding cases based on precedent, where decisions made in previous cases are applied to similar cases in the future.
#8
Who was the first female justice to serve on the United States Supreme Court?
Sandra Day O'Connor
ExplanationSandra Day O'Connor was the first female justice to serve on the United States Supreme Court, appointed by President Ronald Reagan in 1981.
#9
What is the term for a legal proceeding where the validity of a will is proven in court?
Probate
ExplanationProbate is the legal process of proving the validity of a will in court and administering the estate of the deceased according to its terms.
#10
What is the term for a legal document that orders a person to appear in court or produce documents?
Subpoena
ExplanationA subpoena is a legal document that compels an individual to appear in court or produce documents or evidence.
#11
What term refers to a situation in which a higher court agrees to review a decision made by a lower court?
Writ of certiorari
ExplanationA writ of certiorari is a legal order issued by a higher court to review a lower court's decision.
#12
In the United States, which amendment guarantees the right to a trial by jury in civil cases?
Seventh Amendment
ExplanationThe Seventh Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees the right to a trial by jury in civil cases.
#13
Which term refers to a legal principle that prohibits the government from punishing an individual for an action that was not illegal when committed?
Ex post facto
ExplanationEx post facto is a legal principle that prohibits the government from punishing an individual for an action that was not illegal when committed.
#14
Which term refers to a legal principle that protects individuals from being tried twice for the same offense?
Double jeopardy
ExplanationDouble jeopardy is a legal principle that prohibits an individual from being tried or punished twice for the same offense.
#15
Which U.S. President appointed the most justices to the Supreme Court during their presidency?
Franklin D. Roosevelt
ExplanationFranklin D. Roosevelt appointed the most justices to the Supreme Court during his presidency, appointing nine justices between 1933 and 1945.