Supreme Court (U.S.)

The highest appellate court in the United States and the court of last resort for all cases tried at the state and federal levels. It comprises the Chief Justice of the United States and eight associate justices, who are each nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Justices serve on the court for life and step down when they retire, resign, or are impeached. Unlike other courts, the Supreme Court chooses the cases it will hear by granting a writ of certiorari, or a request for review, filed by the lower court. If the Court denies the writ, the decision of the lower court stands; if a writ is granted, by being approved by at least four of the nine justices, the Court agrees to hear the case and begins with a review of [Page 502]written arguments, known as legal briefs. The Court has original jurisdiction in only certain cases, such as when one state sues another. The Court hears approximately 100 cases each year, although more than 7,000 petitions are presented per term. The Court chooses cases involving what are considered important legal issues, such as cases that pose a challenge to constitutional rights.