The Supreme Court at Work

Basic Facts About the Supreme Court 9 Justices on the Court Each “term” begins first Monday in October and lasts until they are finished. Each year: –About 9000 cases appealed to Court –Court “accepts” only about 800 cases –Court “hears” only about 100 cases

The Court’s job: Interpret the law Shape public policy Set out general principles that apply to the nation as well as specific cases Basic Facts About the Supreme Court

How Cases Reach the Court Original Jurisdiction – only a few cases Appeals from lower courts – majority of cases

2 Types of “Appeals” Writ of Certiorari – an order from Supreme Court to a lower court to send up the records on a case for review. –Must argue that the lower court made a legal error. –Must argue that there is some serious constitutional issue in the case.

“On Appeal” – when a lower court has ruled a law unconstitutional. 2 Types of “Appeals”

Steps in Deciding Major Cases After the Court “accepts” a case: Briefs are submitted –The specific parties to the case submit briefs –Amicus Curiae briefs

Oral Arguments before the Court Lawyers for both sides have 30 minutes to present their arguments. Justices interrupt with questions Steps in Deciding Major Cases

The Conference – “secret” meeting Justices debate the case in private. Justices vote. Steps in Deciding Major Cases

Writing the Opinion Unanimous Opinion Majority Opinion Concurring Opinion Dissenting Opinion Steps in Deciding Major Cases

The Decision is announced. Steps in Deciding Major Cases