1. Supreme Court at Work

2. Sits 2 weeks a month during court term
Court Procedures
Sits 2 weeks a month during court term
All terms have been continuous since 1979
Court hears oral arguments during these 2 weeks
After sitting, they work 2 weeks in private and consider the arguments and work on upcoming cases
Write opinions

3. How a case reaches the court
Writ of Certiorari
Supreme Court orders a lower court to send a case up
Mistake
Significant constitutional issue
Reject more than 90%

4. How a case reaches the court
Appeal
Request for review
If the case is dismissed, the lower court ruling is final

5. How a case reaches the court
The Solicitor General
Appointed by the president
Makes decision to appeal
Appeal of a lower court decision
Involving the federal government

6. How a case reaches the court
Selection of cases by Justices
Rule of 4
Per Curiam Opinion – No oral arguments heard

7. Steps In Deciding Major Cases
Submitting Briefs
Oral Arguments
Conference
Writing Opinion