Define Civil Rights.
Protection *from* government abuse of power.
Define Civil Liberties.
Protection *from* discrimination by the government or other individuals.
Define Rule of Law.
Everyone, including the government, is subject to and accountable under the law.
Define Parliamentary Sovereignty.
The principle that Parliament has ultimate legal authority and can make or overturn any law.
Define Sharia Law.
Islamic law derived from the Quran and the teachings of Muhammad.
Define Qanun.
Secular law passed by legislative bodies in Iran.
Define Judicial Review.
The power of the judiciary to review and invalidate laws or acts of government that conflict with the constitution.
Define Common Law.
Law based on traditions and past court decisions, rather than on written statutes.
Define Plenum (in the context of the Mexican Supreme Court).
The full assembly of all 11 ministers of the Mexican Supreme Court.
Define Chambers (in the context of the Mexican Supreme Court).
Smaller groups of 5 ministers within the Mexican Supreme Court.
Compare the power of judicial review in the UK and Mexico.
UK: Limited by parliamentary sovereignty, cannot nullify laws. Mexico: Can determine the constitutionality of laws.
Contrast the appointment of judges in Russia and Nigeria.
Russia: Appointed by the President, confirmed by the Federation Council. Nigeria: Appointed by the President, confirmed by the Senate.
Compare the role of Sharia law in Iran and Nigeria.
Iran: Sharia is the foundation of the legal system. Nigeria: Sharia courts exist in northern states alongside federal courts.
Contrast the independence of the judiciary in the UK and China.
UK: Generally independent due to rule of law. China: Controlled by the CCP despite constitutional provisions.
Compare the structure of the Supreme Courts in the UK and Mexico.
UK: Single court with a president and 11 justices. Mexico: Supreme Court with a plenum (11 ministers) and chambers (5 ministers).
Contrast the judicial systems of Russia pre-1993 and post-1993.
Pre-1993: Courts controlled by the Communist Party. Post-1993: District, Regional, and National Courts with a Constitutional Court.
Compare the functions of the Supreme Court in Russia and Nigeria.
Russia: Court of last resort for administrative, civil, and criminal law. Nigeria: Mostly appellate jurisdiction, original jurisdiction in state vs. state and state vs. federal cases.
Contrast the role of the Supreme Court in the UK and the Supreme Court in Iran.
UK: Determines if government actions violate common law. Iran: Ensures laws comply with sharia law.
Compare the appointment of judges in Mexico and China.
Mexico: Ministers are nominated by the President, confirmed by the Senate. China: CCP controls the judiciary; appoints all members.
Contrast the functions of District Courts in Russia and the UK.
Russia: Primary trial courts for criminal cases. UK: Courts of Original Jurisdiction.
What is the function of the UK Supreme Court?
Determines if government actions violate common law, but is limited by parliamentary sovereignty.
What is the role of the Constitutional Court in Russia?
Ensures laws and decrees are constitutional.
What is the role of the Supreme Court in Iran?
Highest court of appeals, ensures laws comply with sharia law, and interprets Qanun.
What is the function of the Mexican Supreme Court?
Determines the constitutionality of laws and enforces the law under the Constitution.
What is the role of the People's Court system in China?
Constitutionally independent, but in reality controlled by the CCP.
What is the role of the Supreme Court in Nigeria?
Highest court, mostly appellate jurisdiction, original jurisdiction in state vs. state and state vs. federal cases.
What is the role of the Federal Court of Appeals in Nigeria?
Hears appeals from state courts.
What is the role of the Chief Justice in Iran?
Heads the judicial system and is appointed by the Supreme Leader.
What is the role of the People's Procuratorate in China?
Provides public prosecutors and defenders.
What is the role of traditional/subsidiary courts in Nigeria?
Includes sharia courts in northern states.
