2. Jurisdiction
Both original and appellate jurisdiction
Original jurisdiction (less than 5 per year):
1. cases involving reps of foreign governments
2. certain cases where a state is involved (or two states)
Appellate jurisdiction:
Appealed from federal appeals courts
Appealed from state courts
3. Supreme Court Justices
9 justices (1 chief, 8 associate)
Salary:
Chief: $223, 500
Associate: $213, 900
Life term
May be impeached and removed
for treason, bribery, or other
high crimes, but it has never
happened before.
4. Duties of the Justices
Deciding which cases to hear
Deciding on the case itself (who
wins)
providing an explanation for their
decision; also called the Court’s
Opinion
Overseeing a federal circuit
5. Diversity in the Supreme Court
More than 100 men, only 4 women
(3 currently serving)
1st was Sandra Day O’Conner-
appointed by Reagan
Only two African Americans (1
currently serving)
1st was Thurgood Marshall-
appointed by L.B. Johnson
Usually older
Mostly from upper socioeconomic
backgrounds
6. Appointing Justices
President appoints
Senate approves
Today, most are approves
In the 1800’s, 25% were
rejected
Most presidents choose
people who are well liked,
but have similar beliefs to
their own
7. Influencing groups
American Bar Association
Rates judges as “well qualified,” “qualified,” or “not
qualified”
Interest Groups
Interest groups try to convince senators to approve
justices who will help their cause and reject those who
will hurt
