Final answer:
The Rule of Four is the procedure used by the Supreme Court where four justices must agree to grant a review of a case. This often involves the issuance of a writ of certiorari for cases that present significant constitutional questions or when law interpretations vary across jurisdictions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Rule of Four:
The procedure used by the Supreme Court in determining which cases it will hear is called the Rule of Four. This is when four of the nine justices must vote to grant a petition for review, usually a writ of certiorari. The Supreme Court holds the authority to choose which cases to hear, largely based on whether the case presents a significant constitutional question or there are differing interpretations of law.
The writ of certiorari is a formal request to the Supreme Court to review a case from a lower court. When a case is brought to their attention, if at least four justices find the case worthy of consideration, they can agree to issue the writ, effectively putting the case on the Supreme Court's docket for a hearing. This system ensures that a minority of justices can have a substantial impact on the Court's agenda, highlighting the importance of each justice's perspective on potential legal issues.