Final answer:
Before the Supreme Court, each side has thirty minutes to summarize their case, which is structured around the questions from the justices. The justices' decisions heavily depend on written briefs and the oral arguments presented. Notably, the Supreme Court hears fewer than one hundred cases annually, making each case heard extremely impactful.
Step-by-step explanation:
When presenting oral arguments before the Supreme Court, each side is given thirty minutes to summarize their case. This time is often punctuated by questions from the justices, seeking clarification and additional information rather than a reiteration of the briefs. The opportunity to present oral arguments is a critical aspect of the judicial process, as it aids the justices in their subsequent private discussions and decisions on the case. The Court's proceedings, including oral arguments, are ceremonious, reflecting the gravity and importance of the judicial process at this level.
In addition to the oral arguments, the justices rely heavily on the briefs submitted beforehand, which outline the arguments and relevant precedents. These include the main briefs from the petitioners and respondents, as well as amicus curiae briefs from interested parties. The Court's decisions set precedents for future cases, and although they may not be unanimous, the majority opinion is the one that ultimately shapes the law.
The Supreme Court hears a relatively small number of cases each year, often fewer than one hundred, despite thousands of applications for certiorari. Each case chosen for oral argument therefore carries a significant potential impact on legal precedents and interpretations of the law in the United States.