What happens when the Supreme Court justices meet in conference?
During an argument week, the Justices meet in a private conference, closed even to staff, to discuss the cases and to take a preliminary vote on each case. If the Chief Justice is in the majority on a case decision, he decides who will write the opinion.
What does it mean when a Supreme Court case is distributed for conference?
Each week of the year, the clerk’s office distributes petitions, due for distribution to the justices’ chambers, for a conference, which is generally held, if the Court is in session, 2½ weeks later. Each chamber receives a copy of each petition. These pool memos are then distributed to the participating justices.
Are Supreme Court conferences completely private?
These sessions, which typically last 15-30 minutes, are open to the public. Conference Days: The Justices meet in a private conference to discuss cases argued earlier that week. The Justices also discuss and vote on petitions for review. The building is open to the public but the Justices do not take the Bench.
What do Supreme Court Justices do when not in session?
No public sessions are held on Thursdays or Fridays. On Fridays during and preceding argument weeks, the Justices meet to discuss the argued cases and to discuss and vote on petitions for review.
How long do Supreme Court cases take?
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 does the rule of 4 refer to?
The rule of four is a Supreme Court of the United States practice that permits four of the nine justices to grant a writ of certiorari. This is done specifically to prevent a majority of the Court from controlling the Court’s docket.
How much vacation does a Supreme Court justice get?
Each supreme court justice, court of appeals judge and superior court judge shall be entitled to an annual vacation of not more than 30 working days.