1. US Supreme Court
(SCOTUS)

2. US Supreme Court Highest court in USA Article 3!
Original jurisdiction in TWO cases: state vs. state & foreign diplomats
Located in Washington, D.C.

3. Reflection (42L)
In your opinion, how important is it that the judicial branch be independent of the other two branches?
Several criteria for selecting and reviewing Supreme Court nominees were mentioned. What factors do you consider most important during Senate confirmation?
Do you think it is a good idea that Supreme Court justices are appointed for life? What are the advantages and disadvantages of this arrangement?

4. SCOTUS Logistics 1 Chief Justice + 8 Associate Justices
Appt by Prez, approved by Senate
No listed qualifications for judges
Appointed for life – only way to “quit” is to be impeached, die, or resign
Should not be partisan (biased)

5. SCOTUS Justices
Chief Justice John Roberts
Antonin Scalia

6. Anthony Kennedy
Clarence Thomas

7. Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Steven Breyer

8. Samuel Alito
Sonia Sotomayor
Elena Kagan