Article III Section 2: Supreme Court has original and appellate jurisdiction

Cases involving representatives of foreign gov’ts

Certain cases in which a state is a party

Court can also hear cases appealed from the highest court of a state, if claims under federal law or the Constitution are involved

Supreme Court consists of nine justices: Chief justice and 8 associate judges

Three decision making tasks

1. Deciding on which cases to hear

2. Deciding the case itself

3. Determining the explanation for the decision called Court’s Opinion

1. One federal judge is assigned to each federal court
2. Justices are responsible for request for special legal actions that come from their circuit

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Law clerks assist justices with writing memos summarizing the key issues in each case

Justice usually has a law degree and considerable legal experience

Appointed by president and confirmed by Senate

American Bar Association evaluates the professional qualifications of candidates for all Article III judicial positions (Supreme Court, United States Court of Appeals, and U.S. District Courts

Interest groups try to influence the selection process through lobbyists.

Members of Supreme Court have influence in the selection of new justices