1. The Supreme Court at Work

2. 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 9

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

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

5. 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. 1

6. 2 Types of “Appeals” 2
“On Appeal” – when a lower court has ruled a law unconstitutional.

7. 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
1st Step

8. Steps in Deciding Major Cases
2nd Step
Oral Arguments before the Court
Lawyers for both sides have 30 minutes to present their arguments.
Justices interrupt with questions

9. Steps in Deciding Major Cases
3rd Step
The Conference – “secret” meeting
Justices debate the case in private.
Justices vote.

10. Steps in Deciding Major Cases
4th Step
Writing the Opinion
Unanimous Opinion
Majority Opinion
Concurring Opinion
*Dissenting Opinion

11. Steps in Deciding Major Cases
5th Step
The Decision is announced.

12. Extra Test Knowledge Justices that usually vote together = VOTING BLOC
A moderate Justice that could vote for either side = SWING VOTE
Parties engaged in a lawsuit = LITIGANTS
A finding of guilt or innocence = VERDICT