Final answer:
Justices on the Supreme Court are influenced by a combination of legal, ideological, personal, and external factors when deciding a case. These include the jurisprudential constraints, their own personal beliefs and political attitudes, as well as external pressures such as public opinion, interest groups, and the media.
Step-by-step explanation:
There are various factors that influence justices when they decide a case. These factors include legal constraints, such as the facts of the case, the Constitution, relevant laws, and the Court's own precedents. Additionally, personal beliefs and ideological orientations of the justices themselves play a significant role. For instance, more liberal justices may make decisions that align with liberal views, while conservative justices may lean towards conservative outcomes.
Outside influences also affect the justices' decision-making process. The solicitor general, interest groups, and the mass media can impact the Court through briefs and public discourse. Public opinion is another important consideration, as studies have shown a tendency for the Court to align with the majority view on certain issues. The Court is sensitive to public sentiment, and as society evolves, so too may the interpretations and decisions of the Court.
Also, past research has indicated that interest-group activity surrounding a case is significant for the Court's agenda-setting. The amount of interest-group activity before a case is granted certiorari can influence whether it is considered. Finally, although justices strive to be objective, the selection process is often influenced by the appointing president's political ideology, leading to a natural tilt in their judicial philosophies.