Legal System Structure and Hierarchy Quiz

Case law, or judicial decisions, is the primary source of law in a common law legal system, providing precedent for future rulings.

The judicial branch is responsible for interpreting laws and ensuring their constitutionality through the court system.

The Supreme Court is the highest court in the state judiciary of the United States, handling appeals and legal matters.

In a civil law system, legislation, or written laws and statutes, is the primary source of law, providing a comprehensive legal code.

An Appellate Court has the authority to review decisions made by lower courts or administrative agencies, focusing on legal errors or misinterpretations.

A power of attorney is a legal document that grants an individual the authority to make decisions on behalf of another person, particularly in case of incapacity.

Supreme Court is the highest appellate court in the U.S. federal judiciary, with the authority to review and decide on appeals.

Stare decisis is the legal principle of deciding cases based on precedent, ensuring consistency in judicial rulings.

The standard of proof in a civil lawsuit is 'preponderance of the evidence,' requiring the plaintiff to show that their version of events is more likely than not.

Double jeopardy is the legal doctrine preventing individuals from being prosecuted or punished twice for the same criminal offense.

A complaint is a legal document that initiates a civil lawsuit, outlining the plaintiff's allegations, claims, and demands.

Due process is a fundamental principle ensuring that individuals accused of a crime are informed of the charges against them and receive a fair legal process.

The ICJ's primary function is to mediate and settle legal disputes between states in the international community.

Overruling is the legal principle that permits courts to set aside or overturn previous decisions, establishing a new precedent.

Original jurisdiction is the legal term referring to a court's power to hear a case for the first time, usually at the trial level.

The grand jury's purpose is to review evidence and decide whether there is enough justification to file criminal charges against a suspect.

Forum non conveniens is a legal doctrine allowing a court to refuse to hear a case if it believes another court has proper jurisdiction, promoting efficiency in legal proceedings.

Prosecutorial misconduct in criminal law refers to the intentional deception or misrepresentation by a prosecutor that leads to a wrongful conviction.