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Mock Supreme Court
Assignment, Discussion & Activity with 8.3 & 8.4
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Read 8.4. Answer the following:1. Explain or define the ways cases reach the
Supreme Court:• original jurisdiction• appellate jurisdiction
2. The rule of 4 grants certoirari in cases. What are 2 factors the Court considers in whether or not to hear a case?
3. List the steps in hearing a case:
4. Define: majority opinion, concurring opinion, and dissenting opinion.
5. Explain 2 reasons why the decisions of the Supreme Court is important:
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Facts about SCOTUS
• Term begins the 1st Monday in October and runs through early June.
• The most controversial decisions are announced usually in the last few weeks of the term.
• SCOTUS hears 2 weeks of arguments M-Th in the mornings for 2 hour blocks; take the next two weeks to review cases and research decisions for opinions.
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SCOTUS & Original Jurisdiction• Redefine term.
• What types of federal cases begin with the SCOTUS?– Cases involving 2 or more states (Gaston ex.)– Cases involving the US and a state (AZ law)– Cases involving Foreign ambassadors or
diplomats (GA ambassador DWI)– Cases involving a state against a citizen of
another state
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State Appellate Route: Must be a constitutional issue or involve a federal law!
Federal Appellate Route: Must involve a constitutional issue or legal error of federal law
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Cases Before the SCOTUS• When 4 justices agree to hear a case a writ or
certiorari is issued. (“Rule of 4”)• Go over steps:
– Written arguments filed as “briefs.” Anyone with an interest can submit an “amicus brief.”
– Oral arguments held. Each side gets 30 min.– Conference held on Fridays. Discuss order of discussion
and voting.– Opinions written: Unanimous, majority, concurring,
dissenting– Announcement
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Why are Opinions Important?• Opinions rely on precedents. If no great conflicts
exist, the “stare decisis” principle stands.
• If conflicts exists, the SCOTUS “breaks with the precedent” and establishes a new precedent. This flexibility allows the SCOTUS to evolve with the times. (Ex of Plessy and Brown decisions)
• Opinions guide the lower courts in their decisions.
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Mock Court, p. 79• Choose a Chief Justice.• Chief Justice appoints method to read case.
(Either call on a “justice” or read to self). (Written Arguments)
• Debate the case. Take notes on sheet in notebook. (Oral Arguments)
• Vote on case. (Conference)• Write unanimous, majority or dissenting
opinions. (Opinion Writing)• Present opinions to class. (Announcment)