Glossary

Sixth Amendment

part of the Bill of Rights that protects the rights of the accused during a criminal trial with provisions such as a right to a speedy trial, right to confront witnesses, and right to counsel.

Sociological Jurisprudence

a school of thought that studies law in its social context, focusing on the relationship between legal institutions and social events to understand law’s practical impact on a society

Solicitor

a government lawyer who appears in court proceedings on behalf of the government

Southern Manifesto

A document signed in 1956 by the overwhelming majority of southern congressmen and senators that condemned the decision in Brown v. Board of Education (1954).

Sovereign Power

Dominant power or authority.

Sovereignty

The authority of a state to govern itself.

speculation

Purchasing land for future sale in hopes it will increase in value.

State Action Doctrine

private conduct does not receive the same level of constitutional protection as actions taken by the state

States’ rights

Emphasizes the power of individual states over a stronger centralized government.

Status quo

the existing state of affairs; what is normal or expected