FAQs on The Supreme Court: Introduction – Part 2

Question 1

1. What is the function of the Supreme Court?

Accepted Answer

Ans. The function of the Supreme Court is to serve as the highest court of the land in the United States. It has the authority to interpret and apply the law, resolve disputes, and ensure that the Constitution is upheld. The Supreme Court also has the power of judicial review, which allows it to determine whether laws or actions by the government are constitutional.

Question 2

2. How many justices are there in the Supreme Court?

Accepted Answer

Ans. The Supreme Court consists of nine justices. One of them is the Chief Justice, who is the leader of the Court, while the other eight are Associate Justices. The number of justices has remained the same since 1869, although it is not specified in the Constitution and can be changed by Congress if desired.

Question 3

3. How are Supreme Court justices appointed?

Accepted Answer

Ans. Supreme Court justices are appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the Senate. The President nominates a candidate, who then goes through a rigorous confirmation process. This includes a background check, hearings in the Senate Judiciary Committee, and a final vote by the full Senate. The appointment is a lifetime tenure, allowing justices to serve on the Court until retirement or death.

Question 4

4. Can Supreme Court decisions be overturned?

Accepted Answer

Ans. Yes, Supreme Court decisions can be overturned, but it is a complex and rare process. The Court itself can overturn its own previous decisions through a new case that presents a different legal question. Additionally, Congress has the power to pass new laws that supersede or modify the Court's interpretation of existing laws. However, these processes require significant legal and political considerations.

Question 5

5. How does the Supreme Court select cases to hear?

Accepted Answer

Ans. The Supreme Court has discretionary jurisdiction, meaning it has the authority to choose which cases it will hear. Most cases reach the Court through a writ of certiorari, which is a request for the Court to review a lower court's decision. The justices review the petitions and select cases that involve important legal issues, conflicts among lower courts, or cases that have significant national implications. The Court receives thousands of petitions each year but only accepts a small percentage for review.

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