section 1: the supreme court at work section 2: shaping public policy section 3: influencing court...
TRANSCRIPT
Section 1: The Supreme Court at Work
Section 2: Shaping Public PolicySection 3: Influencing Court
Decisions
How does the Supreme Court determine which cases it will hear and the outcome of the each case?
1. Explain how certain cases reach the courts
2. Evaluate the steps the Court takes in determining the outcome of a case
The Supreme Court at Work
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyqEAPYnhjk
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/supremecourt/
Watch three videos on this site:1.Creation of the Courts2.Showdown3.You have the right to remain silent
1) WRIT OF CERTIORAI 2) APPEAL
An order from the Court to a lower court to send up the records
Lower court has either made an error or a constitutional issue is raised
Decision of lower federal or state court has been requested to be reviewed
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3unc4-EuLg
Please watch this video.
Appointed by the President and represents the federal government before the Supreme Court
Determines whether the Federal government should appeal lower courts decisions to Supreme Court
Who is the solicitor general of the United States?
“Rule of Four”- only four of nine justices need to agree to hear a case
Per Curian Opinion- brief, unsigned statement of the Court’s decision
Occurs when court rules without consulting new information
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Udue9DlK3hg
Brief- written statement setting forth the legal arguments, relevant facts, and precedents supporting one side of a case
Amicus Curiae- briefs written by individuals, interest groups, or government that have useful information for the court to consider
After briefs lawyers from each side present oral arguments before the court Monday-Wednesday
They usually last 30 minutes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJQ7Ds4nAmA&feature=relmfu
Chief Justice John Roberts on Oral Arguments
Justices meet Wednesday and Fridays
A tradition is they shake hands
The conference meetings are secret
A majority must be in agreement to decide a case, and at least 6 must be present.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrrNQgbfIww
Justice Kennedy on Court Conferences
Opinion- written statements on cases they have already decided
States the facts of the case, announces the Court’s ruling, and explains its reasoning in reacing the decision
1. Unanimous- all justices vote the same way.
2. Majority- expresses the views of the majority of the justices on a case
3. Concurring- Agree with majority’s decision but have a different reason why
4. Dissenting- opinion of justices on the losing side in a case
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9_wAVxKO1o
Opinions and the Obama Healthcare Law