Learn a few terms that appear often in public life and news.
a proposed law before it is passed
a law passed by a legislature
a law passed by a local government
a formal change to a constitution or law
the right to vote
the process of choosing leaders or deciding issues
a direct public vote on a specific proposal
the process of resolving disputes through the courts
the party bringing a civil lawsuit
the person or entity accused or sued
citizens chosen to decide facts in a case
a legal dispute between people or organizations
a case in which the government accuses someone of a crime
the government must follow fair legal procedures
an earlier decision used to guide later similar cases
a court's authority to hear a case
a request for a higher court to review a decision
the foundational law that sets up a system of government