A MERICAN GOVERNMENT HOLT HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON The Federal Court System 1 Section 2: The Supreme Court Objectives: Explain what Judicial Review is; Summarize the decisions of the following cases: Plessey vs. Ferguson, Brown vs. The Board of Education, and Roe vs. Wade; Explain how the Supreme Court justices are appointed and their terms of office; Explain the 3 different types of decisions.

A MERICAN GOVERNMENT HOLT HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON The Federal Court System 2 Section 2: The Supreme Court Changes in role of the Supreme Court: powers grew to include judicial review influence over the executive and legislative branches’ ability to pursue specific public policies increased

A MERICAN GOVERNMENT HOLT HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON The Federal Court System 3 Section 2: The Supreme Court Three landmark cases: For each case, summarize in your own words what the issue was, and what the Supreme Court decided (use the internet to research): Plessey vs. Ferguson Brown vs. The Topeka Board of Education Roe vs. Wade

A MERICAN GOVERNMENT HOLT HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON The Federal Court System 4 Section 2: The Supreme Court Appointment process of Supreme Court justices: The president appoints them. The Senate approves or rejects the appointees. Terms of office: Justices can serve for life. Each annual session lasts approximately eight months.

A MERICAN GOVERNMENT HOLT HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON The Federal Court System 5 Section 2: The Supreme Court Operation of the Supreme Court: Lawyers file a written brief. Justices hear oral arguments. They have conferences to discuss the case and prepare their opinions. Justices announce their decision.

A MERICAN GOVERNMENT HOLT HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON The Federal Court System 6 Section 2: The Supreme Court How the court rules: 3 types of opinions Majority opinion: This is where the majority of the supreme court justices come to agree on a decision both on the outcome and the way that the decision was chosen. Concurring Opinion: Agree with Majority outcome, but disagree on the way that the decision was reached Dissenting Opinion: When a justice disagrees with a Majority Opinion and explains their reasons for doing so