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https://supremecourt.gov
Supreme Court United States
Related Questions
How many justices are on the Supreme Court?
A2: The Supreme Court is composed of nine justices. These justices are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Appointments are for life, unless the justice resigns or is impeached. The current justices are Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., and Associate Justices Clarence Thomas, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen G. Breyer, Samuel A. Alito, Jr., Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, Neil Gorsuch, and Brett M. Kavanaugh.
What is the majority opinion?
A6: The majority opinion is the opinion of the majority of the justices in a case. In a majority opinion, the justices agree on the outcome of the case and the legal reasoning used to reach that conclusion. A majority opinion is binding on the parties in the case and is the official ruling of the court. If there is no majority opinion, then the decision of the lower court stands.
What is the Supreme Court's view on precedent?
A9: The Supreme Court follows the principle of stare decisis, which is the Latin phrase for "stand by the decision." This means the Supreme Court follows its prior decisions, or precedents, in deciding the outcome of cases. The court is not bound by its prior decisions, but it gives weight to them in order to maintain consistency and stability in the law.
How often does the Supreme Court hear oral arguments?
A8: The Supreme Court usually hears oral arguments in cases that it has decided to grant certiorari to. Oral arguments are usually held in the Supreme Court chamber in Washington, D.C. The court typically hears oral arguments in two-week blocks from October to April. During these blocks, the court usually hears between two and four cases each day.
What is the process of amending the Constitution?
A10: The Constitution of the United States can only be amended through a process laid out in Article V of the Constitution. This process requires two thirds of both houses of Congress to propose an amendment, and the amendment must be ratified by three fourths of the states. Amendments can also be proposed by a Constitutional Convention called for by two thirds of the states. Once an amendment is proposed, it must be ratified by three fourths of the states before it can become part of the Constitution.
How long does it take for the Supreme Court to decide a case?
A4: The Supreme Court's decision-making process is often lengthy. After a case is filed, it is assigned to a justice or justices for review. The justices then decide whether to grant or deny the petition for certiorari. If the petition is granted, the court will review the lower court's decision. This can take several months, depending on the complexity of the case and the court's schedule. Once the justices have heard the arguments, they will issue a written opinion, which can take several more months.
What is the role of dissenting opinions?
A7: Dissenting opinions are opinions written by one or more justices who disagree with the majority opinion. Dissenting opinions are not binding on the parties in the case, but they can influence future decisions by the Supreme Court and other courts. Dissenting opinions provide an important record of the justices' views on a case and can help shape the development of the law.
How does one file a case before the Supreme Court?
A3: The Supreme Court hears cases on appeal from the lower federal courts, as well as from state courts in certain circumstances. Cases must be filed with the Clerk of the Supreme Court. The filing procedure varies depending on the type of case. Generally, the process involves filing a petition for certiorari, which is a request for the Supreme Court to review the decision of a lower court. The petition must be accompanied by a legal brief outlining the facts of the case, the legal arguments, and the reasons why the Supreme Court should grant the petition.
What is the Supreme Court's role in interpreting the Constitution?
A5: The Supreme Court plays an important role in interpreting the Constitution of the United States. The Supreme Court has the power of judicial review, which means it can declare laws or actions of the executive branch of the government unconstitutional. This power gives the Supreme Court the last word on how the Constitution should be interpreted. The Court can also interpret the Constitution to decide whether a law is constitutional or not.
What is the Supreme Court of the United States?
A1: The Supreme Court of the United States is the highest court in the federal judiciary system. It is the final arbiter of the law in the United States. The Supreme Court hears cases that have been appealed from lower courts, resolves disputes between states, and reviews the constitutionality of laws. It is composed of nine justices, who are appointed by the President, and confirmed by the Senate. The justices serve for life, unless they resign or are impeached. The Supreme Court has the power of judicial review, meaning it can declare laws or actions of the executive branch of the government unconstitutional.
Popular Questions
Who are the 9 Supreme Court justices 2022?
John G. Roberts, Jr., Chief Justice of the United States, ... Clarence Thomas, Associate Justice, ... Samuel A. Alito, Jr., Associate Justice, ... Sonia Sotomayor, Associate Justice, ... Elena Kagan, Associate Justice, ... Neil M. Gorsuch, Associate Justice, ... Brett M. Kavanaugh, Associate Justice,
What is the main purpose of the Supreme Court?
As the final arbiter of the law, the Court is charged with ensuring the American people the promise of equal justice under law and, thereby, also functions as guardian and interpreter of the Constitution.
Who controls the Supreme Court?
The number of Associate Justices is currently fixed at eight (28 U. S. C. §1). Power to nominate the Justices is vested in the President of the United States, and appointments are made with the advice and consent of the Senate.