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The Supreme Court. Work of the Federal Courts. Remember: 97% of cases are handled by state courts Federal Court Jurisdiction Federal Question Federal statute or regulation U.S. Constitution Diversity Jurisdiction. Supreme Court. Article III Appointment Life Tenure Composition
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Work of the Federal Courts • Remember: 97% of cases are handled by state courts • Federal Court Jurisdiction • Federal Question • Federal statute or regulation • U.S. Constitution • Diversity Jurisdiction
Supreme Court • Article III • Appointment • Life Tenure • Composition • Associate Justices • Chief Justice • Law Clerks
Supreme Court’s Work • First Monday in October – June/July • Original Jurisdiction v. Appellate Jurisdiction • Cert Petitions • “Rule of Four”
Deciding on the Merits • Information • Litigant Briefs • “Record” • Amicus Briefs • Oral Argument • 30 minutes per side • Conference Votes
Opinions • Opinion of the Court • Majority • Plurality • Dissenting Opinions • Concurring Opinions
Opinions • Describe History of Case • Describe “Precedent” • Stare decisis • Reason by analogy • Holding • Becomes precedent • Weight depends on majority v. plurality
What Matters • Not Just Who Wins / Who Loses • REASONING