11 seconds ago 2009-12-09T07:55:03-08:00
Once again, we turn Senate-speak into plain English. Check it out:
STARE DECISIS (stair-ee dih-SIGH-sis): Latin for "to stand by a decision." English for don't rock the boat. The idea that courts are bound by previous court decisions, or precedent, on questions previously raised.
SWING VOTE: The big kahuna. A judge whose vote will probably sway a divided court one way or the other.
Are there any other terms you want defined? Tell us at @AP_Courtside on Twitter.
-Nancy Benac, AP reporter, White House
