Glossary

Concurring Opinion

An opinion that agrees with the result reached by the majority (the judgment), but that expresses a different analysis, or gives the law or facts a different emphasis in reaching that result.

Confederacy

the group of 11 states that seceded from the United States between 1860 and 1861 to form the Confederate States of America; ended after defeat by the United States (Union) Army in the Civil War in 1865.

conference

(1) a meeting or (2) in the Supreme Court, the private meeting of the Justices during which current cases are discussed.

Conferences

Private meetings and discussions between the Supreme Court Justices about pending cases.

Confidential informant

person who gives information, usually in secret, to a law enforcement agency.

Confirmation hearings

proceedings before the Senate Judiciary Committee required to approve a Supreme Court nomination

Constituents

voters in districts represented by elected officials

Consul

an official appointed by a government to live in a foreign city and protect and promote the government’s citizens and interests there.

Consulate General

the office of an official appointed by the government of one country to look after its commercial interests and the welfare of its citizens in another country

Contempt of Court

the offense of being disobedient to or disrespectful of a court of law and its officers.