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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

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

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

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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

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  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

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Justice usually has a law degree and considerable legal experience

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Appointed by president and confirmed by Senate

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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

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Interest groups try to influence the selection process through lobbyists.

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