The Law Dictionary for Everyone
When an appellate court reaches a verdict, it is common for a written opinion to be provided, announcing the court’s decision, and its reasoning behind arriving at that decision. When a panel of judges is involved, those judges who disagree with the majority vote may supply their own written opinions, expressing their reasons for dissenting. This is called a dissenting […]
Read moreIn courts where more than one judge, or “justice,” hears cases, such as a state or the federal Supreme Court, or some appellate courts, a majority agreement is required to make a ruling one way or another. In the event some of the judges agree with the decision of the majority, though for different reasons, those judges may write a […]
Read moreAffirmative action refers to a set of procedures implemented for the purpose of eliminating discrimination in educational and employment opportunities. Amounting to “positive discrimination,” the policy creates favor toward members of disadvantaged groups believed to have suffered discrimination in society. Affirmative action is the result of President John F. Kennedy’s 1961 executive order requiring government employers and contractors to “take […]
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