the supreme court

Notes

The number of justices is set by Congress—currently 9 members

Appointed by the president, confirmed by the Senate

Serve for life

Chief Justice

John RobertsJohn Paul

Stevens

Anthony Kennedy

Samuel Alito

Ruth Bader

Ginsberg

Stephen Breyer

Sonia Sotomayo

r

Antonin Scalia

Clarence Thomas

The power to overturn any law that the Court decides is in conflict with the Constitution

Marbury v. Madison

1. Rule of 4: Four justices must agree to hear the case2. Case placed on the docket (schedule)3. Briefs are submitted4. Oral Arguments

• 30 minutes per side• Justices can interrupt at any time

5. Conference• Super-secret meetings on Wednesdays & Fridays• Chief presents each case & each Justice announces his/her

vote. Results are kept secret until opinions are published.

Majority Opinion• States decision• Explains reason

Concurring Opinion• Agrees with the majority, but for different reasons

Dissenting Opinion• Disagrees with the majority

Precedent—a guideline for how all similar cases should be decided in the future

Public Opinion

Personal Views