Unit 6: The Federal Court System and Supreme Court Decision-Making The Supreme Court

The Supreme Court: Main Idea: Introduction to the U.S. Supreme Court Notes: Created by Article III of the Constitution, the Supreme Court is the highest body in the American Judicial Branch Created by Article III of the Constitution, the Supreme Court is the highest body in the American Judicial Branch The job of the judicial branch is to interpret the law, which means that the decisions of the Supreme Court regarding the law are final. The job of the judicial branch is to interpret the law, which means that the decisions of the Supreme Court regarding the law are final.

The Supreme Court: Main Idea: Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court Notes: The Supreme Court has two types of jurisdiction: The Supreme Court has two types of jurisdiction: 1.original jurisdiction (which means it can hear a case for the first time if it chooses to) 2.appellate jurisdiction (it can hear cases that have been appealed from lower courts).

The Supreme Court: Main Idea: Original Jurisdiction Notes: The Supreme Court exercises it’s original jurisdiction very little on a yearly basis— usually only hearing cases involving two states that are in dispute with one another, OR if a state is in dispute with the federal government. The Supreme Court exercises it’s original jurisdiction very little on a yearly basis— usually only hearing cases involving two states that are in dispute with one another, OR if a state is in dispute with the federal government. Fewer than 5 original jurisdiction cases a year Fewer than 5 original jurisdiction cases a year

The Supreme Court: Main Idea: Appellate Jurisdiction Notes: The Supreme Court may choose to hear cases on appeal from a lower federal court OR cases being appealed from state Supreme Courts. The Supreme Court may choose to hear cases on appeal from a lower federal court OR cases being appealed from state Supreme Courts. For state cases, the Supreme Court may only rule on matters of federal law, not any matter affecting the ruling according to a state’s law. For state cases, the Supreme Court may only rule on matters of federal law, not any matter affecting the ruling according to a state’s law.

The Supreme Court: Main Idea: Supreme Court Justices Notes: There are 9 Supreme Court Justices There are 9 Supreme Court Justices 1 Chief Justice and 8 Associate Justices 1 Chief Justice and 8 Associate Justices Congress can change the number of justices allowed. Congress can change the number of justices allowed. Justices are appointed by the president to serve a “for life” term Justices are appointed by the president to serve a “for life” term

The Supreme Court: Main Idea: Supreme Court Justices (cont’d.) Notes: The Chief Justice makes $181,400/year. The Chief Justice makes $181,400/year. Associate Justices make $173,600/year. Associate Justices make $173,600/year. Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr.

The Supreme Court: Main Idea: Profile of Supreme Court Justices Notes: Most Justices over time have Most Justices over time have A law degree (not a requirement) A law degree (not a requirement) Legal experience Legal experience Served as state or federal court judges or served as a state attorney general Served as state or federal court judges or served as a state attorney general Not young (most appointed in their 50’s-60’s) Not young (most appointed in their 50’s-60’s) Most come from upper socioeconomic levels Most come from upper socioeconomic levels Mostly white males (2 African American men, 4 females) Mostly white males (2 African American men, 4 females) Most are American-born (6 total born outside of the US and 3 of those were appointed by George Washington) Most are American-born (6 total born outside of the US and 3 of those were appointed by George Washington)

The Supreme Court: Main Idea: Duties of Supreme Court Justices Notes: The Constitution does not list the duties of the Supreme Court—they have evolved through interpretation over time. The Constitution does not list the duties of the Supreme Court—they have evolved through interpretation over time. The main duty is to hear and rule on cases. The main duty is to hear and rule on cases. – The Supreme Court’s ruling on a case is referred to as the Opinion of the Court. Justices have limited duties related to the 12 federal judicial circuit Justices have limited duties related to the 12 federal judicial circuit

The Supreme Court: Main Idea: Duties of Supreme Court Justices (cont’d.) Notes: The Chief Justice has additional duties: The Chief Justice has additional duties: – Preside over sessions and conferences. – Leadership in the Court’s judicial work. – Helps administer the federal court system

The Supreme Court: Main Idea: Role of Law Clerks Notes: Clerks are hired to help the Supreme Court run smoothly by doing things such as: Clerks are hired to help the Supreme Court run smoothly by doing things such as: – Assist Justices with day-to-day tasks – Draft opinions – Conduct research

The Supreme Court: Main Idea: Appointing Justices Notes: The President appoints justices and the Senate must approve those appointments. The President appoints justices and the Senate must approve those appointments. Considerations when appointing Justices include: Considerations when appointing Justices include: – Acceptability with the Senate – Usually a member of the President’s political party – Justice’s ideology (what they believe regarding political issues) – The input of interest groups The American Bar Association is usually consulted. The American Bar Association is usually consulted. Other interest groups that lobby for justices that will help advance their cause Other interest groups that lobby for justices that will help advance their cause