Supreme Court justices meet in private to discuss cases in order to foster open and candid dialogue without external pressures or influences. This confidentiality encourages justices to express their opinions freely and engage in thorough deliberation on complex legal issues. Additionally, private discussions help maintain the integrity of the judicial process, allowing justices to reach consensus or disagreement in a respectful and focused environment.
The Supreme Court justices hear cases in the courtroom of the Supreme Court Building in Washington, DC.
The Supreme Court Justices' law clerks, who are law school graduates and licensed attorneys, typically read the cases first and summarize them for the justices, who then discuss and vote whether to hear them during case conferences. Many of the cases are summarily rejected for lack of federal question, being filed out of time, and other problems that make them unsuitable for appeal.
State vs. State, or Cases against the U.S.
supreme court
There are nine justices on the US Supreme Court: one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices. Most cases reach the Court under its appellate jurisdiction. The only cases the Supreme Court hears under original (trial) jurisdiction are disputes between the states.
The Oklahoma Supreme Court has nine justices. They are responsible for overseeing the state's judicial system and hearing appeals in civil and criminal cases. Justices are appointed by the governor and are confirmed by the Oklahoma Senate, with a system in place for retention elections.
The United States Supreme Court is the ultimate court of last resort. While the cases heard by lower level trial courts and appellate courts can be appealed to state supreme courts and federal appellate courts, no other court looks over the shoulder of the U.S. Supreme Court. The opinions issued by the nine justices on this court are final.
The appointees (Justices) discuss and debate (in private) on laws brought before the court's constitutionality. If an individual files suit against the a State or the Federal Government, and is appealed to the Supreme Court, the Court has the authority to strike down a law based on if it is conflict with the constitution.
Someone petitions the Supreme Court to review a case on appealThe lawyers submit briefsThe justices vote to decide which cases to hearThe Clerk schedules oral argumentsThe justices read all briefs and lower court documentsThe justices have their clerks research precedents and other informationThe justices listen to oral argumentsThe justices hold a case conference to discuss issues and take a voteOne justice is assigned to write the official opinion of the CourtThe opinion is circulated for commentsOther justices write concurring or dissenting opinions (optional)The decision is released to the parties and the general public
US Supreme Court cases are initiated when a minimum of four justices agree to grant a petition for writ of certiorari.
Typically, all nine justices of the US Supreme Court hear a case together; however, many cases have been decided with fewer justices. Federal law requires a quorum of at least six justices hear each case.
The justices consider the cases and state their opinions on each case.