Which statement about the Supreme Court is true?
A. Every case appealed to the Supreme Court is ruled upon by the court.
B. The court hears all cases for which two or more justices agree that the case has menit.
C. The court decides which cases it will hear
D. In deciding cases, the chief justice’s vote counts as two votes
E. The court can hear only cases that have worked their way up from local courts
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is C. The court decides which cases it will hear.
Explanation
The Supreme Court of the United States operates under a discretionary system of review, meaning that it has the authority to choose which cases to hear. This selection process is crucial for the functioning of the court and is governed by specific criteria. Here are some key points regarding this process and why C is the correct statement:
- Certiorari Process: Most cases reach the Supreme Court through a petition for a writ of certiorari. This means that the party seeking to appeal asks the court to review the decision of a lower court. The Supreme Court receives thousands of such petitions each term but only hears a small percentage, typically around 1% to 2%.
- Rule of Four: The Supreme Court follows the “Rule of Four,” which states that if at least four justices agree to hear a case, the court will grant certiorari. This rule is designed to ensure that a minority of justices can request a review, balancing the power among the justices.
- Criteria for Selection: The Supreme Court tends to prioritize cases that have significant national importance, involve conflicting decisions among lower courts, or raise questions about the Constitution. The court is particularly interested in cases that have broader implications for federal law or the interpretation of constitutional rights.
- Exclusions: Not all cases appealed to the Supreme Court are accepted. Many cases may be deemed non-justiciable, meaning they do not present an appropriate matter for judicial resolution, or they may lack sufficient legal merit. This means option A is incorrect.
- Importance of Discretion: The ability of the Supreme Court to choose its cases is fundamental to its role in the judicial system. It allows the court to manage its docket and focus on the most pressing legal issues of the day, thus shaping the law and providing guidance for lower courts and future cases.
In summary, the Supreme Court’s authority to decide which cases to hear is a critical aspect of its function and reflects its role in interpreting the law and addressing significant legal questions in American society.