SUPREME COURT

I. Has original jurisdiction in 2 cases:

A. states v. states

B. foreign countries or diplomats

II. In all other cases, it has appellate jurisdiction

III. Marbury v. Madison (1803): established judicial review ~ court interprets

laws and strikes down those that violate the Constitution

IV. Makeup of the Court

A. mostly male (except 2)

B. mostly white (except 2)

C. 8 associate judges & 1 chief justice (head of the court)

D. serve for life

V. Which cases to hear?

A. 4 judges must vote to hear a case ("Rule of Four")

B. case is then placed on the docket (court calendar)

VI. How cases reach the Court

A. original jurisdiction (only 2 cases)

B. writ of certiorari ("to make more certain")
    1. order for lower court to send a case to Supreme Court for review

VII. How the Court Works

  1. meets from Oct - June
  2. 1st two weeks of month: court hears arguments, discusses cases, and rules on cases
  3. last two weeks of month: the court is in recess
    1. research, decide which cases to hear, write opinions on cases

VIII. Issuing Opinions

  1. at least 6 judges must be present
  2. with 9 present, vote must be at least 5-4
  3. Majority Opinion - explains the decision of the majority
  4. Concurring Opinion - agrees w/ majority vote, but for different reasons
  5. Dissenting Opinion - opposes majority opinion

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