terms of the Supreme Court

A term of the U.S. Supreme Court is the period of time when the Court is in session. The Judiciary Act of 1789 required that the Court terms begin on the first Monday in February and August. The terms of the Court have been changed, from time to time, by Congress. In 1979 the Court began its current practice of holding sessions throughout the year with periodic recesses. According to law, the Supreme Court begins each annual term on the first Monday in October. This practice was started in 1917.

The Court is in session to hear oral arguments on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday for two weeks of each month from October until the end of April. A session may also be held on Monday of the third week of the month. During May and June, the Court is in session to deliver opinions on cases heard during the term. However, some opinions are announced earlier in the term. The justices spend time away from the Court during the summer. But they also continue their work on petitions for hearing cases on appeal from lower courts. The justices meet in late September to take care of unfinished business and to prepare for the new term beginning in October.

See also Decision days; Opening day of the Supreme Court