1. The Supreme Court At Work Chapter 12 Section 1

2. The Court’s Procedures Since 1979, the Supreme Court has been in continuous session, taking only periodic recesses. During the term, the Court sits for two consecutive weeks each month. Justices listen to oral arguments from lawyers for each side. Later they announce their opinions.

3. Section 1 The Court’s Procedures (cont.) The Court hears oral arguments from Monday through Wednesday. On Thursday and Fridays justices meet in secret conferences to decide cases.

4. Section 1 Getting Cases to the Court Most cases reach the Supreme Court as appeals from lower court decisions. They come to the courts in one of two ways: –writ of certiorari—an order from the Court to a lower court to send up the records on a case for review.writ of certiorari –appeal—a request made to review the decision of a lower federal or state court.

5. Section 1 Getting Cases to the Court (cont.) When a case is dismissed by the Supreme Court the decision of the lower court becomes final. The solicitor general is appointed by the president and represents the federal government before the Supreme Court.

6. Section 1 Steps in Deciding Major Cases After the Court accepts a case, the lawyers on each side of the case submit a brief—a written statement setting forth the legal arguments, relevant facts, and precedents supporting one side of a case. brief Parties not directly involved in a case but who have an interest in its outcome may submit amicus curiae—or “friend of the court”—briefs.amicus curiae

7. Section 1 Steps in Deciding Major Cases (cont.) The Court issues four kinds of opinions: –About one-third of the Court’s decisions are unanimous opinions. –A majority opinion expresses the views of the majority of the justices on a case.majority opinion –One or more justices who agree with the majority but do so for different reasons write a concurring opinion. –A dissenting opinion is the opinion of justices on the losing side of the case.dissenting opinion