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The highest court in the United States and the final interpreter of the Constitution.
The Supreme Court is the highest court in the United States and the final interpreter of the Constitution. Its nine justices are appointed for life by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The Court hears roughly 80 cases per year out of the 7,000+ petitions it receives, and its decisions shape American law on civil rights, executive power, free speech, and more.
The President nominates justices when a vacancy occurs. The Senate Judiciary Committee holds hearings, then the full Senate votes to confirm. A simple majority (51 votes) is required.
The Court chooses which cases to hear through a process called "certiorari." Four of the nine justices must vote to hear a case. Oral arguments are typically 1 hour per case.
The Court generally follows its own prior decisions (stare decisis) but can overturn them. Notable overturnings include Brown v. Board and Dobbs v. Jackson.