The Supreme Court has the final word on what the Constitution means, yet most people never learn how it actually operates. This course walks through how the nine justices get there, how a case climbs all the way to them, and how a single opinion can reshape American law for decades.
Nine justices, appointed for life
The Court has nine justices — one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices. Each is nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate, and once confirmed they serve for life (technically "during good behavior"). Life tenure is meant to free them from electoral pressure.
For how the Court fits with the other branches, see The Three Branches.
How a case reaches the Court
The Court chooses almost all of its cases. A losing party asks it to hear an appeal by filing a petition for a writ of certiorari. Of roughly 7,000 petitions a year, the Court takes only around 60 to 80.
By the rule of four, it takes four of the nine justices to agree to hear a case. The Court generally steps in when lower courts disagree or a major federal question is at stake.
Argument, conference, and opinions
- Oral argumentLawyers for each side get a short, intense session answering the justices’ questions.
- ConferenceThe justices meet privately and take a preliminary vote.
- OpinionsA justice in the majority writes the Court’s opinion. Others may write a concurrence (agreeing with the result, different reasoning) or a dissent (disagreeing).
Only the majority opinion is binding law. But dissents can shape future arguments and, sometimes, future law.
Why its decisions matter so much
Through judicial review, the Court can strike down a federal or state law, or an executive action, as unconstitutional. Its rulings set precedent that lower courts must follow, so a single decision can settle an issue nationwide until the Court revisits it.
Frequently asked questions
How many justices are on the Supreme Court?
Nine — one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices. The number is set by statute, not the Constitution, and has changed over history.
What is a writ of certiorari?
A request asking the Supreme Court to review a lower court’s decision. The Court grants only a small fraction of these petitions each year.
What is the difference between a concurrence and a dissent?
A concurrence agrees with the outcome but offers different reasoning; a dissent disagrees with the outcome. Only the majority opinion is binding law.