1. Case Selection: Process Supreme Court staff assign docket number Certiorari pool system Chief Justice circulates discussion list Justices meet in conference. Cert granted with 4 votes. Court announces cases agreed to hear

2. Petition for Writ of Certiorari (approx. 8500) Assign Docket No. Clerk Cert Pool Justice Chief Justice Discussion List Justices Add Cases To List Justice Conference Rule of 4 Chief Justice Case Selection Process Cases Selected (approx. 75-85)

3. Case Selection: Legal Factors One U.S. Court of Appeals in conflict with another on same matter State court decided federal question that conflicts with another state court of last resort or court of appeals

4. Case Selection: Political Factors U.S. Solicitor General files petition Amicus Curiae Briefs (“friend of court” briefs) Ideology of justices

5. Factors in Case Selection Case Selection Legal Factors Conflicts Among Courts Political Factors Solicitor General Amicus Curiae Briefs Justice Ideology