Final answer:
The movie RBG depicts the appeals process and the role of the Supreme Court in reviewing cases, discussing in conferences, and making decisions based on briefs and oral arguments. Justices' decisions may be influenced by their political views, and presidential appointments of justices may lead to unexpected rulings.
Step-by-step explanation:
The movie RBG highlights the workings of the appeals court in the case of Ruth Bader Ginsburg's career. The appeals process begins in the district court and then can be taken to the Supreme Court on the basis of a writ of certiorari if a constitutional question arises or if there are differing interpretations of law. Justices then review the case, discuss in private conferences, and take preliminary votes. The Chief Justice or the most senior justice in the majority decides who will write the Court's opinion. Cases are often influenced by the justices' political views or personal interpretations of the law, despite the expectation of impartiality.
The work within the appeals court is very structured, with justices hearing oral arguments, reading the submitted briefs, and participating in conferences to discuss the cases. Attorneys prepare briefs that present arguments and facts, and sometimes amicus curiae briefs are submitted to inform the justices about public impact. Justices read these documents, along with the records of the lower courts, to prepare for oral arguments. Decisions in the appeals court can uphold or reverse lower court decisions, as seen in the historical example of the reversal in the Sixth Circuit during the case in which race was used as an admissions factor, based on precedent from California v. Bakke (1978). Additionally, the selection of justices by a president can result in unpredictable decisions that defy initial expectations.