Key Legal Terms and US Government Concepts

Posted by on Feb 17, 2025 in Applied Sociology | 0 comments

Definitions:

  • Jurisdiction: The authority to hear and decide a case.
  • Exclusive Jurisdiction: The sole right to hear a case.
  • Concurrent Jurisdiction: When both state and federal courts have the right to hear a case.
  • Plaintiff: The person making a legal complaint.
  • Defendant: The person against whom a legal complaint is filed.
  • Grand Juries: Panel of citizens set up to hear evidence of a possible crime.
  • Misdemeanor: A minor crime.
  • Sovereign Immunity: Principle that a sovereign government cannot be taken to court
Read More

US Constitution: Amendments and Federalism

Posted by on Jan 26, 2025 in Applied Sociology | 0 comments

The US Constitution: Amendments and Key Cases

First Amendment

Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Landmark Supreme Court Cases Related to the First Amendment

  • Everson v. Board of Education: Provided public busing for students.
  • Board v. Allen: Child benefit more than school;
Read More