Study Guide

Writ of Certiorari

An order issued by the Supreme Court to a lower court requesting the records of a case for review.

Rule of Four

A practice that allows a case to be granted certiorari if at least four of the nine justices agree to hear it.

Majority Opinion

The official ruling of the Court, written by a justice in the majority, explaining the reasoning behind the decision.

Concurring Opinion

Written by a justice who agrees with the majority decision but has different or additional reasoning.

Dissenting Opinion

Written by a justice (or justices) who disagree with the majority, explaining why they believe the decision is incorrect.

Features of a Supreme Court Conference

Justices meet privately to discuss cases, the Chief Justice leads the discussion, votes are taken in order of seniority, no official transcripts are kept, and opinion-writing assignments are made.

Criticism of Supreme Court Case Selection

The Court has too much discretion and may choose cases based on personal or political interests rather than legal importance.