History and Facts About the Supreme Court
When did the Supreme Court first meet?
Supreme Court was set to meet on Monday, Feburary 1st, 1790 in New York City, but due to only half of the Justices present, they delayed the meeting to the following day, Tuesday, Feburary 2nd, 1790.
How many Justices sit on the Supreme Court?
Nine Justices
The top Justice has what title?
The Supreme Court is led by one Justice. The top Justice is the Chief Justice. The remaining eight are known as Associate Justices.
How long is a Justice's term?
The Justice's hold office as long as they want and only can be removed from office by impeachment.
How does someone become a Supreme Court Justice?
The President nominates a man or woman on court. The Senate then has to vote to confirm the nominee (majority vote required).
What are some interesting facts/things about the Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C.?
-Construction was finished in 1935
-Marble is used constantly throughout the building
-On the front of the building there are words that say "Equal Justice Under Law"
-Building was designed by Cass Gilbert
-William Howard Taft, who was the former president, persuaded Congress to get a permanent building for the Court.
When does a session of the Supreme Court start and in what month does it end?
Begins on the first Monday in October. They usually continue until late June or early July.
About how many cases are sent to the Court? Of those, about how many cases do the Justices hear in a year?
The Justices decide which cases they want to hear. Out of the estimated 5,000-7,000 requests they only hear about 80 a year and another 50 without hearing arguements.
How many Justices have to agree to hear a case appealed to them?
Ususally, all nine Justices hear each case given to them. Incase of an illness or vacant position a minimum of six Justices are allowed to be present to make a decision on a case.
After the Justices agree to hear a case, what are the next two steps?
The first step is that the Justice's individually reveal their opinions on the case after they announce the decision. They then release explanations to why they approved the case or not. A majority opinion is prepared and the Justice's who do not agree with the majority opinion release a dissenting opinion.
Supreme Court was set to meet on Monday, Feburary 1st, 1790 in New York City, but due to only half of the Justices present, they delayed the meeting to the following day, Tuesday, Feburary 2nd, 1790.
How many Justices sit on the Supreme Court?
Nine Justices
The top Justice has what title?
The Supreme Court is led by one Justice. The top Justice is the Chief Justice. The remaining eight are known as Associate Justices.
How long is a Justice's term?
The Justice's hold office as long as they want and only can be removed from office by impeachment.
How does someone become a Supreme Court Justice?
The President nominates a man or woman on court. The Senate then has to vote to confirm the nominee (majority vote required).
What are some interesting facts/things about the Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C.?
-Construction was finished in 1935
-Marble is used constantly throughout the building
-On the front of the building there are words that say "Equal Justice Under Law"
-Building was designed by Cass Gilbert
-William Howard Taft, who was the former president, persuaded Congress to get a permanent building for the Court.
When does a session of the Supreme Court start and in what month does it end?
Begins on the first Monday in October. They usually continue until late June or early July.
About how many cases are sent to the Court? Of those, about how many cases do the Justices hear in a year?
The Justices decide which cases they want to hear. Out of the estimated 5,000-7,000 requests they only hear about 80 a year and another 50 without hearing arguements.
How many Justices have to agree to hear a case appealed to them?
Ususally, all nine Justices hear each case given to them. Incase of an illness or vacant position a minimum of six Justices are allowed to be present to make a decision on a case.
After the Justices agree to hear a case, what are the next two steps?
The first step is that the Justice's individually reveal their opinions on the case after they announce the decision. They then release explanations to why they approved the case or not. A majority opinion is prepared and the Justice's who do not agree with the majority opinion release a dissenting opinion.
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE SUPREME COURT
-In 1790, Justices wore wigs to court
-When the nations capitol moved to Washington D.C., the Supreme Court did not even have a courtroom
-In 1789 the Chief Justice made about 4,000 dollars while the Associate Justices made $3,500
-The "conference handshake" began with Chief Justice Melville W. Fuller in late 1800s
-William O. Douglas was the longest serving Justice who served for 36 years and six months on the bench.
-John Rutledge was the shortest serving Justice. He was appointed Chief Justice but only served for four months.
-William H. Taft is the only president who also served as Chief Justice
-The oldest Justice was Oliver Wendell Holmes, who served until 90 years old
-In 1790, Justices wore wigs to court
-When the nations capitol moved to Washington D.C., the Supreme Court did not even have a courtroom
-In 1789 the Chief Justice made about 4,000 dollars while the Associate Justices made $3,500
-The "conference handshake" began with Chief Justice Melville W. Fuller in late 1800s
-William O. Douglas was the longest serving Justice who served for 36 years and six months on the bench.
-John Rutledge was the shortest serving Justice. He was appointed Chief Justice but only served for four months.
-William H. Taft is the only president who also served as Chief Justice
-The oldest Justice was Oliver Wendell Holmes, who served until 90 years old