Specialized electoral court A court that specializes in electoral matters. The authority of this court varies depending on the EDR system in the country in question. Stare decisis A principle of legal decision making that provides that a previous judicial decision must be followed in identical circumstances. Statute See legislation. Tabulation The process of compiling the result of counting of votes cast in an electoral process. Also known as amalgamation of results. Transitional EMB An EMB which is set up temporarily to facilitate transitional elections. It is normally set up under the auspices of the international community, such as the UN, and may consist of or include international experts as members. Trial In law, judicial examination or hearing of the facts and reaching judgement in a civil or criminal case. Universal suffrage The extension of the right to vote or participate in a democratically elected government to all adults, without distinction as to race, sex, belief, intelligence, or economic or social status. Voter education A process by which people are made aware of the electoral process, including the particulars and procedures for voter registration and voting. Voter registration The process of establishing the eligibility of individuals to cast a ballot in an electoral process or direct democracy instrument and inscribing eligible individuals on a register. As one of the more costly, time-consuming and complex aspects of the electoral process, it often accounts for a considerable portion of the budget, staff time and resources of an election authority. Writ of certiorari A writ that a superior appellate court issues at its discretion to an inferior court, ordering it to produce a certified record of a particular case it has tried in order to determine whether any irregularities or errors occurred that justify a review of the case. 206