What Is SCOTUS?

The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) is the highest federal court in the United States and the final court of appeal in all cases of federal law or those arising under the Constitution. Established by the U.S. Constitution in 1789, the Supreme Court consists of nine justices, one of whom is the Chief Justice. The Supreme Court is based in Washington, D.C., and hears cases from both the lower federal courts and from state court systems.

How Does SCOTUS Work?

The Supreme Court is a court of “original jurisdiction,” meaning it usually hears cases for the first time. Most cases are brought to the Court as appeals from lower courts, either from the U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals or from state-level appellate courts. The Supreme Court may also decide to hear cases appealed from other countries or from other courts of limited jurisdiction, such as those of territories and Native American governments.

Typically, the Supreme Court hears cases once the lower courts have made a decision based on the law. Once a case is brought before the Supreme Court, it may choose to hear the case or to ignore it. If the Supreme Court chooses to hear it, the nine justices listen to oral arguments from both parties and review additional legal documents and written briefs. The Court will then make a decision, typically published in an opinion or written order. This decision is binding and cannot be appealed.

What Happens When SCOTUS Makes A Decision?

When a case is resolved by SCOTUS, the decision is the final and authoritative interpretation of the law. This means that the lower courts and state court systems must abide by the Supreme Court’s ruling and apply it in any similar cases that may arise. This helps to ensure that the same decisions are applied consistently throughout the country.

In addition to making legal rulings, the Supreme Court plays an integral role in setting important social and legal precedents, which can have far-reaching implications. While it is true that the justices can be a contentious group, they ultimately strive to make unanimous decisions in order to set a strong legal precedent and protect the U.S. Constitution.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court of the United States is the highest court in the land and the final interpreter of U.S. law. Through their decisions, the nine justices of SCOTUS are able to shape the legal and social landscape in the United States, ensuring that the law remains consistent and fair. So, the next time you hear an interesting case making its way through the legal system, keep an eye out for when it reaches the Supreme Court of the United States.