Glossary
Definition of Common Legal Terms Used in Supreme Court Debates
Appellate court — The intermediary level of the U.S. Federal judicial system, between the
district court and the U.S. Supreme Court. There are 13 circuits courts, which review the
decisions of the lower courts to determine if the law was correctly applied.
Bill of Rights — The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, guarantees of individual
freedoms, were ratified in 1791 to address concerns of those who thought the powers of the
Federal Government required explicit limitations.
Certiorari – A written order from a higher court, such as the U.S. Supreme Court, to review a
lower court’s decision. …
