Supreme Court

The Supreme Court is the highest court in the United States.

The Supreme Court hears cases that have made their way through the court system. Of the more than 7,500 cases that are sent to the Supreme Court each year, only about 80 to 100 cases are actually accepted.

Once the Supreme Court makes a decision, it can only be changed by another Supreme Court decision or by amending (changing) the Constitution. This is a very important power that can affect the lives of many people. Also, since the main power of the Supreme Court is to decide cases that challenge the Constitution, the Court must decide if the case they receive really challenges the Constitution.

The Supreme Court is made up of nine Justices. One of these is the Chief Justice. They are appointed by the President and must be approved by the Senate. Justices have their jobs for life, unless they resign, retire, or are impeached by the House and convicted by the Senate (the removal process as described by the Constitution).

There are no requirements in order to be appointed a Justice, but all have been trained in the law. Many Justices served as members of Congress, governors, or members of the President's Cabinet.

United States Legal System is based on English common law; has judicial review of legislative acts; and accepts compulsory International Court of Justice jurisdiction, with reservations.