Basic Concepts of American Jurisprudence

Define: Stare Decisis

What does the three-tiered structure of the federal court system consist of? (Hint: name the 3 tiers)

Define: Jurisdiction

True or False: Secondary authority is not itself law, and is never mandatory authority.

The American system is a "common law" or "civil" system?

Describe a "civil law" system.

Fill in the Blank: The American Judicial System--A System based on advocacy and the presence of actual _______.

True or False: Unlike the federal courts, some states do allow for the presentation of cases that are not based on live controversies.

What are the thresholds that must be satisfied before a federal court will hear a case? (Hint: six)

What are the roles that a lawyer may play?

Who is the final arbiter of the law?

What is a case?

What are 3 things that must happen before we get an appellate opinion (a case)?

Why might someone not want to go to court?