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They discuss the case in one or more scheduled conferences, then vote to determine the verdict. The Chief Justice or most senior justice in the majority group writes, or assigns writing, the official opinion of the Court.
The opinion is then circulated amongst the justices for comments and suggestions. Other justices may write concurring or dissenting opinions. When the Court is satisfied that the work is complete, they announce their decision.
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TaigaLike the Associate Justices, the Chief Justice is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. There is no requirement that the Chief Justice serve as an Associate Justice, but 5 of the 17 Chief Justices have served on the Court as Associate Justices prior to becoming Chief Justice. Three were members of the Court when they were elevated to Chief Justice:
- Edward Douglas White (Associate Justice 1894-1910, Chief Justice 1910-1921)
- Harlan Fiske Stone (Associate Justice 1925-1941, Chief Justice 1941-1956)
- William H. Rehnquist (Associate Justice 1972-1986, Chief Justice 1986-2005)
Two had a break in service between their periods of service:
- John Rutledge (Associate Justice 1789-1791, Chief Justice 1795)
- Charles Evans Hughes (Associate Justice 1910-1916, Chief Justice 1930-1941)
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What do the US Supreme Court justices wear while hearing a case?
In keeping with tradition, the US Supreme Court justices wear black robes over their street clothes.
What supreme court procedure involves justices hearing oral arguments and expert testimony by both parties in a case?
Public arguments
What is the closest possible decision if all justices are present?
AnswerIf all nine justices hear a case, a simple majority of five must agree on a decision.ExplanationA decision requires a simple majority of the Justices hearing the case (sometimes fewer than nine justices are available). In the typical instance that all nine Supreme Court justices provide an opinion, a majority must consist of at least five votes; if eight justices are present, a decision still requires five votes; if six or seven justices are present, a decision requires at least four votes.
How many justices are allowed to appear and how many are required?
The US Supreme Court comprises nine justices who attempt to review every case as a complete Court. A quorum, the minimum number of justices who must participate in any given case, is six.
Supreme Court rulings are made by?
A simple majority vote of the justices who reviewed the case. Ideally, all nine justices would consider every case, but circumstances sometimes interfere with that.
