{"id":369044,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:07","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/litigation\/legal-system\/the-u-s-supreme-court-overview.html"},"modified":"2024-04-01T10:51:05","modified_gmt":"2024-04-01T15:51:05","slug":"the-u-s-supreme-court-overview","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/legal-system\/the-u-s-supreme-court-overview.html","title":{"rendered":"The U.S. Supreme Court – Overview"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The U.S. Supreme Court – Overview<\/h1>\n
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\n By Samuel Strom, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

The Supreme Court of the United States is the highest court in the United States. Since its creation in 1789, the Court’s decisions have shaped the nation’s laws and public policies, for better or worse.<\/p>\r\n

This article provides an in-depth look at the highest appellate court in the United States. It describes the Court’s structure and what types of cases it can adjudicate. It then discusses its importance in United States history, including examples of landmark court opinions.<\/p>\r\n

Constitutional Origin of the Supreme Court<\/h2>\r\n

Congress has the constitutional power to establish the federal courts. It used this power to create the Supreme Court via the Judiciary Act of 1789. This Act also established the lower federal courts and the U.S. Attorney General’s Office.<\/p>\r\n

Article III<\/a> of the U.S. Constitution<\/a> provides that the judicial power of the United States is vested in the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court’s function is to resolve conflicts and controversies regarding federal laws.<\/p>\r\n

The Supreme Court’s term begins on the first Monday in October and lasts until the first Sunday in October of the following year. The Court is often in recess from late June until the first Monday in October.<\/p>\r\n

Supreme Court Structure: Chief Justice and Associate Justices<\/h2>\r\n

Since 1869, the U.S. Supreme Court has consisted of nine seats. The Chief Justice of the United States presides over the Court’s procedures and is the leader of the Supreme Court. Eight Associate Justices fill the other seats.<\/p>\r\n

The Chief Justice and Associate Justices sit on the Supreme Court for life. When a Justice steps down or dies, the President nominates a Justice to fill the vacancy. The U.S. Senate must confirm the nominee before they become a Justice. Nominees often have served as federal judges, but a nominee is not required to do so.<\/p>\r\n

The Chief Justice is not only in charge of the Supreme Court’s procedures but is also the head of the United States Judicial Branch. This means they not only run the highest court in the county, but they are also in charge of the entire federal court system.<\/p>\r\n

The Chief Justice’s duties concerning the Supreme Court<\/a> include the following, among others:<\/p>\r\n