Jonah Patel
The Supreme Court is the highest court in the United States, and its establishment is mandated by the US Constitution. Article III, Section 1 of the Constitution establishes the Supreme Court of the United States, and it currently consists of nine justices, including one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices. The Supreme Court plays a crucial role in the constitutional system of government, serving as the court of last resort and ensuring that each branch of government recognizes its power limits. It has the authority to strike down state laws that violate the Constitution and protect civil rights and liberties. The Court's decisions have a significant impact on society, influencing not just lawyers and judges but also the general public, as seen in landmark cases such as Tinker v. Des Moines Independent School District.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Established by | Article III, Section I of the Constitution |
| Judicial power | Vested in one Supreme Court |
| Congress role | Determines number of seats, organisation and other federal courts |
| Number of seats | Nine justices (one chief justice and eight associate justices) |
| Appointment | Appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate |
| Tenure | Lifetime tenure, or "during good behaviour" |
| Jurisdiction | Original and appellate jurisdiction |
| Original jurisdiction cases | Disputes between states or disputes arising among ambassadors and other high-ranking ministers |
| Appellate jurisdiction cases | Treaties, ships on high seas and navigable waterways (admiralty cases) |
| Number of cases heard | Accepts 100-150 of the 7,000 cases it is asked to review each year |
| Oral arguments | Each side has 30 minutes to present its case |
| Petitions | Petitions for writs of certiorari (around 7,000 per year) |
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What You'll Learn
The Supreme Court's jurisdiction
The Supreme Court is established by the United States Constitution, which vests federal judicial power in "one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish". The Constitution outlines the Supreme Court's jurisdiction, or legal ability to hear a case, as well as its composition and procedures.
Article III, Section I of the Constitution establishes the Supreme Court of the United States. The Court has original jurisdiction, meaning it is the first and only court to hear a case, and appellate jurisdiction, meaning it can review decisions made by lower courts. Original jurisdiction cases are limited to those involving disputes between states or disputes arising among ambassadors and other high-ranking ministers. The Court has the power to strike down state laws found to be in violation of the Constitution, protecting civil rights and liberties.
The Supreme Court has appellate jurisdiction over almost any case involving a point of constitutional or federal law. This includes cases to which the United States is a party, cases involving treaties, and cases involving ships on the high seas and navigable waterways (admiralty cases). The Court is not obligated to hear these cases and typically only does so if the case could have national significance or might harmonize conflicting decisions in federal Circuit courts.
The Supreme Court's rules dictate that four of the nine Justices must vote to accept a case, and five must vote to grant a stay. During oral arguments, each side has approximately 30 minutes to present its case, and the Justices ask questions throughout each presentation.
The Supreme Court plays a crucial role in ensuring that each branch of the government recognises the limits of its power and that the changing views of the majority do not undermine fundamental values such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and due process of law.
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The Supreme Court's authority
The authority of the Supreme Court is established by the United States Constitution, which states that the "judicial power of the United States, shall be vested in one supreme Court". This is outlined in Article III, Section I of the Constitution, which also permits Congress to decide on the organisation of the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court is the highest court in the land, and it serves as the court of last resort for those seeking justice. It has original and appellate jurisdiction. Original jurisdiction means that the Supreme Court is the first and only court to hear a case, and it is limited to cases involving disputes between states or disputes arising among ambassadors and other high-ranking ministers. The Court has the authority to review the decisions of lower courts and can choose to accept a case on appeal if it involves a point of constitutional or federal law.
The Supreme Court plays a crucial role in safeguarding civil rights and liberties by striking down laws that violate the Constitution. It ensures that the majority cannot pass laws that infringe on the rights of minorities and that each branch of government recognises its own power limitations. The Court has the final say on whether a right is protected by the Constitution or when a Constitutional right has been violated.
The Supreme Court consists of nine justices, including the Chief Justice and eight associate justices. Each justice has a single vote in deciding cases, and they are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. They hold office during "good behaviour", typically for life, and their pay cannot be diminished during their tenure.
The Supreme Court's decisions have a significant impact on society, influencing not just lawyers and judges but also the general public. The Court's rulings can shape the interpretation and application of Constitutional rights, ensuring justice and protecting fundamental values.
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The Supreme Court's composition
The composition of the Supreme Court is established by Article III, Section I of the US Constitution, which states:
> "The judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish."
The Constitution, therefore, establishes the Supreme Court, but permits Congress to decide how to organise it. Congress first exercised this power in the Judiciary Act of 1789, which created a Supreme Court with six justices. The Act also established the lower federal court system.
Over the years, various Acts of Congress have altered the number of seats on the Supreme Court, from a low of five to a high of 10. The number of seats was fixed at nine shortly after the Civil War, and this number remains today. The Supreme Court is comprised of one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices.
Justices are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. They hold office during "good behaviour", typically for life, and their pay may not be diminished while they hold their position. Justices have one vote each when deciding the cases argued before the court. When in the majority, the Chief Justice decides who writes the opinion of the court; otherwise, the most senior justice in the majority assigns the task of writing the opinion. Justices are addressed as "Justice [Last Name]", while the Chief Justice is addressed as "Mr. Chief Justice".
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The Supreme Court's procedures
The procedures of the Supreme Court are governed by the US Constitution, federal statutes, and its own internal rules. The Supreme Court is established by Article III, Section 1 of the US Constitution, which outlines its composition and procedures.
The Supreme Court's term begins on the first Monday in October and continues for a year until the Sunday before the first Monday in October of the following year. The Court is usually in recess from late June/early July until October. Each term consists of alternating periods of "sittings" and "recesses", with Justices hearing cases and delivering rulings during sittings, and discussing cases and writing opinions during recesses.
The Supreme Court has original jurisdiction over a small range of cases, such as suits between two or more states, and those involving ambassadors. It also has appellate jurisdiction, allowing it to review and affirm, amend or overturn decisions made by lower courts. Most of the cases heard by the Supreme Court are appeals from lower courts. The primary means to petition the court for review is to ask it to grant a writ of certiorari, which is a request for the Supreme Court to order a lower court to send up the record of the case for review. The Court is not obliged to hear these cases and usually does so only if the case could have national significance or might harmonize conflicting decisions in federal Circuit courts.
The Justices decide whether to accept a case (grant a petition for certiorari) by dividing petitions among themselves and their law clerks. The law clerks read the petitions and make recommendations, which are then shared with the other Justices. If the Court accepts a case, the petitioner has a certain amount of time to write a brief, not exceeding 50 pages, outlining their legal case. The petitioner and respondent can also file shorter briefs in response to each other's positions. The US Government, represented by the Solicitor General, can also file a brief on behalf of the government. Additionally, with the Court's permission, groups not directly involved in the case but with an interest in it may file an amicus curiae brief, providing their arguments and recommendations.
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The Supreme Court's impact
The Supreme Court of the United States is established by the Constitution, which vests "the judicial power of the United States" in "one supreme Court". Article III, Section I of the Constitution outlines the Supreme Court's jurisdiction, with Section II establishing its legal ability to hear a case.
The Supreme Court plays a crucial role in the constitutional system of government in the United States. As the highest court in the land, it serves as the final arbiter of justice and guardian of constitutional rights. Its power of judicial review ensures that each branch of government respects the limits of its authority.
The Court's decisions have a profound impact on society, influencing not just lawyers and judges but also the general public, including students. For instance, in Tinker v. Des Moines Independent School District (1969), the Court ruled that students could not be punished for wearing black armbands to school to protest the Vietnam War, thereby upholding the students' freedom of speech.
The Supreme Court also plays a vital role in safeguarding civil rights and liberties by striking down laws that violate the Constitution. It ensures that the majority's changing views do not undermine fundamental American values such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and due process of law.
Additionally, the Court sets limits on democratic government, preventing popular majorities from passing laws that may harm or take advantage of unpopular minorities. This function is essential in maintaining a balance of power and protecting the rights of all citizens, regardless of their popularity or representation.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court, as established by the Constitution, has a significant impact on the lives of Americans. Through its interpretations of the law and the Constitution, it shapes the country's legal landscape and safeguards the rights and liberties of its citizens.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Article III, Section 1 of the US Constitution establishes the Supreme Court of the United States.
The Supreme Court is the highest court in the US and acts as the court of last resort for those seeking justice. It has the power of judicial review, ensuring that each branch of the government recognises its own power limits. It also protects civil rights and liberties by striking down laws that violate the Constitution.
There are nine justices in the Supreme Court, including one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices.
