The Supreme CourtChapter 11.3

Government Mr. Biggs

Article III of the Constitution created the Supreme Court. It is the court of last resort in all questions of federal law.Until 1891, justices earned much of their pay while riding the circuit, or traveling to hold court in their assigned regions of the country.

Supreme Court JurisdictionThe Supreme Court has both original and appellate jurisdiction.Many original jurisdiction cases have involved two states or a state and the federal government.This is a small part of its yearly workload.Under the Supreme Court’s appellate jurisdiction, the Court hears cases that are appealed from lower federal courts of appeals or State Supreme courts.The Supreme Court has the authority to rule only on federal issues, not issues involving state law.

Supreme Court JusticesThe Supreme Court is comprised of 9 justices:

1 chief justice8 associate justicesThe chief justice earns about $224,000 per year.Associate justices earn about $214,000 per year.

Duties of the JusticesThe main duty of the justices is to hear and rule on cases.This duty involves:

Deciding which cases to hearDeciding the caseWriting the Court’s opinion, which is the explanation for the decision

Duties of the Justices (cont.)The chief justice has several additional duties:

Presiding over sessions and conferencesProviding leadership in the Court’s judicial workHelp administer the federal court systemTo maintain their objectivity on the bench, justices are careful not to become involved in outside activities that might prevent their impartiality.

Law ClerksThe Court’s law clerks assist the justices with many tasks, enabling the justices to concentrate on their pressing duties.Law clerks read all appeals filed with the Court, write memos on key issues, and help prepare the Court’s opinions.

Background of the JusticesAlthough it is not a formal requirement, a justice usually has a law degree and considerable legal experience.Most justices are appointed in their 50s.Most justices are white males who come from upper socioeconomic levels.To date, there have been 4 women, 1 Latina, and 2 African Americans.One former president, William Howard Taft, served as a justice of the Supreme Court (Chief Justice).

Appointing JusticesJustices reach the Court through appointment by the president with Senate approval.Presidents prefer to nominate candidates whose political beliefs they believe are similar to their own.

The Role of the American Bar AssociationThe American Bar Association (ABA) is the largest national organization of attorneys.The role of the ABA is solely to evaluate the professional qualifications of federal judicial appointments.

The Role of Other Interest GroupsInterest groups that have a stake in Supreme Court decisions may attempt to influence the selection process.For example, the National Organization of Women (NOW) may oppose justices who want to overturn Roe v. Wade.

The Role of the JusticesChief justices have often been very active in the selection of new justices.Associate justices may also write letters of recommendation supporting candidates who have been nominated.

The End