The Supreme Court Flashcards
What is a Special Session?
It is called to handled serious matters
What kind of cases does the Supreme Court hear?
Cases that raise constitutional questions that affect whole country, not one person
When does the Supreme Court meet?
Once a year for about nine months
How do almost all cases reach the Supreme Court?
On appeal from lower courts
What do the appeals request from the Supreme Court?
A Writ of Certiorari
What is a Writ of Certiorari?
It orders the lowers courts to send case records to the Supreme Court for review
When does the Supreme Court accept a case?
When four of nine people agree
What is a Docket?
A court calendar
What is a caseload?
The number of cases handled in a period of time
How does a Supreme Court decide on a case?
First, lawyers for each side in a case write a brief.
Two parties study each other briefs then gives a second brief
Justices study brief and asks questions
Next, are lawyers given 30 min. to present argument
Justices meet to make decisions about the cases they are studying
What is a brief?
A written document explains one sides point of view
How many justices must be present to vote on a ruling?
Six
What is a Concurring Opinion?
When a justice agrees with majority decision but for different reasons
What is a Dissenting Opinion?
When justices disagree with majority decision
What is an Unanimous Opinion?
When all justices vote the same way
