Question

Which of the following accurately characterizes the function of the U.S. Supreme Court? 1) In some years, the court does not hear any cases whatsoever. 2) The court selects only a small number of cases to hear on an annual basis. 3) The court only hears cases sent to it by the district courts. 4) The court is required to hear all of the cases that are sent to it by the U.S. circuit courts.

Answer 1

The U.S. Supreme court listens to a small, carefully selected number of cases every year, not necessarily sent by the district or circuit courts. This is known as a writ of certiorari. Their rulings are binding and set precedents for future cases.

Step-by-step explanation:

The U.S. Supreme Court plays a significant role in the United States' legal system as it is the national court of last resort for all other courts in the system. It is important to note that, contrary to options 1, 3, and 4 of your question, the Supreme Court does listen to cases every year, it is not limited to cases sent to it by district courts, and it is not required to hear all cases sent to it by the U.S. circuit courts.

Option 2 is the most accurate in characterizing the function of the U.S. Supreme Court. The Court listens to a small number of cases annually, carefully selecting which cases it will hear through a process known as a writ of certiorari. These cases often address significant legal or constitutional interpretations that impact the entire nation. Despite receiving thousands of case requests from around the U.S., the Supreme Court typically hears fewer than one hundred cases per year.

The decisions made by the Supreme Court are binding and set a precedent for how future cases are resolved, making it an institution with significant influence and authority. These rulings often address important political issues of the day, thereby influencing the interpretation of the law and the Constitution well beyond the current term of office.

Learn more about U.S. Supreme Court