Terms starting with "R"

Roll Call Vote A vote that records the individual position of each Member who voted. Such votes occurring on the House floor (by the. Resolution of Disapproval A resolution of disapproval is a legislative measure expressing that Congress rejects a specified action, rule, or decision. Under the Congressional Review Act, Congress can use a joint resolution of disapproval to overturn certain federal agency rules if the resolution passes both chambers and is signed by the President, or if Congress overrides a veto. Resolution of Ratification A resolution of ratification is the Senate's formal expression of advice and consent to a treaty, sometimes subject to conditions, reservations, understandings, or declarations. Under the Constitution, the President makes treaties with the advice and consent of two-thirds of senators present. Senate approval does not itself complete every step needed for a treaty to enter into force. Respondent A respondent is the party who must answer a petition or defend against a request for relief in a legal proceeding. In an appeal or petition for Supreme Court review, the respondent is generally the party opposing the petitioner's request, though the exact role depends on the type of case and the court's rules. Response Brief A response brief is the written argument filed by the party defending a lower court's decision on appeal — formally the "appellee's brief" in the courts of appeals or the "respondent's brief" in the Supreme Court. It answers the appellant's opening brief, explaining why the decision below should be affirmed. Under Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure 31(a), the appellant has 40 days after the record is filed to file the opening brief and the appellee has 30 days to file its response. Retired Judge A retired judge is a judge who has left active judicial service. The legal meaning depends on the court system and the judge's status. In the federal Article III system, an eligible judge may take senior status, creating a vacancy for a new active judge while continuing to hear some cases. Revenue Money collected by government, especially through taxes and fees. Revenue Bill A legislative proposal specifically designed to raise money for the government, typically through taxes, tariffs, or fees. The U.S. Constitution mandates that all such bills must originate in the House of Representatives. Reversed A decision is reversed when a higher court sets it aside as wrong. Federal appellate courts have that power by statute — 28 U.S.C. § 2106 provides that the Supreme Court may affirm, modify, vacate, set aside, or reverse any judgment — and the courts of appeals exercise parallel authority over district courts. A reversal means the lower court's ruling does not stand; the case may then be remanded (sent back) for further proceedings consistent with the appellate decision. Review Review is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records. Resolution A formal expression of opinion, will, or intent voted on by an official body or assembled group, such as a legislature. Unlike a bill, a simple resolution does not have the force of law and is not sent to the executive for a signature. Requests for Production Requests for Production is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.