How are the Supreme Court Justices seated?

How are the Supreme Court Justices seated?

As is customary in American courts, the nine Justices are seated by seniority on the Bench. The Chief Justice occupies the center chair; the senior Associate Justice sits to his right, the second senior to his left, and so on, alternating right and left by seniority.

How is the Supreme Court made up?

The Supreme Court consists of the Chief Justice of the United States and such number of Associate Justices as may be fixed by Congress. Power to nominate the Justices is vested in the President of the United States, and appointments are made with the advice and consent of the Senate.

What types of cases go to Supreme Court?

The United States Supreme Court is a federal court, meaning in part that it can hear cases prosecuted by the U.S. government. (The Court also decides civil cases.) The Court can also hear just about any kind of state-court case, as long as it involves federal law, including the Constitution.

How long does it take for a case to reach the Supreme Court?

A: On the average, about six weeks. Once a petition has been filed, the other party has 30 days within which to file a response brief, or, in some cases waive his/ her right to respond.

What are the procedures of the Supreme Court in the US?

Supreme Court Procedures. Background. Article III, Section 1 of the Constitution establishes the Supreme Court of the United States. Currently, there are nine Justices on the Court. Before taking office, each Justice must be appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.

What is the proper way to address a Supreme Court justice?

Only the Chief Justice is addressed as Mr. Chief Justice. Others are addressed as “Justice Scalia,” “Justice Ginsburg,” or “Your Honor.” The title “Judge” is not used for Supreme Court Justices. Justices, typically, ask questions throughout each presentation.

How do the Supreme Court justices decide on petitions?

The participating Justices divide their petitions among their law clerks. The law clerks, in turn, read the petitions assigned to them, write a brief memorandum about the case, and make a recommendation as to whether the case should be accepted or not.

How did the Supreme Court get its original jurisdiction?

The Judiciary Act of 1789 gave the Supreme Court original jurisdiction to issue writs of mandamus (legal orders compelling government officials to act in accordance with the law). A suit was brought under this Act, but the Supreme Court noted that the Constitution did not permit the Court to have original jurisdiction in this matter.