Question

What are three common reasons why the Supreme Court would grant certiorari (cert) to hear a case?

A) To resolve a conflict between two or more lower courts (circuit split).
B) When a case involves a significant constitutional question.
C) When a case has received significant public or media attention.
D) None of the above.

Answer 1

The Supreme Court often grants certiorari to hear a case for reasons such as resolving lower court conflicts (circuit splits), addressing significant constitutional questions, or dealing with cases of special urgency. Significant public or media attention alone typically does not influence the decision to grant cert.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Supreme Court may grant a writ of certiorari (cert) to hear a case for several reasons. Common reasons include:

• To resolve a conflict among lower courts, often referred to as a circuit split, where different courts of appeals have made different decisions on the same legal question.
• When a case presents a significant constitutional question that the Court deems important to address.
• When the case has a special urgency or importance, such as in Bush v. Gore following the 2000 election, although significant public or media attention alone is not a typical factor for granting cert.

Four of the nine justices must agree for certiorari to be granted, a principle known as the Rule of Four. Once the Court takes up a case, reviews of lower court records, amicus curiae briefs, and petitioner and respondent briefs will influence the Court's decision.