Background And Nominations

The Justices of the U.S. Supreme Court

Background and Nominations

The justices of the U.S. Supreme Court play a critical role in shaping the nation's legal landscape. Their decisions impact a wide range of issues, from civil rights to economic policy. The nine justices are nominated by the President and then confirmed by the Senate. Each justice serves a lifetime term, which means they can remain on the bench until they choose to retire.

Confirmations

The confirmation process for Supreme Court justices can be highly contentious. In recent years, several nominees have faced intense scrutiny during their hearings before the Senate Judiciary Committee. The committee's role is to evaluate the nominee's qualifications and determine whether they are fit to serve on the nation's highest court. The committee's decision is then voted on by the full Senate.

Oral Arguments

Once confirmed, the justices begin their work of hearing cases and issuing opinions. The Supreme Court typically hears two to three cases per week. Each case is argued before the justices by attorneys representing the parties involved. The justices then deliberate on the case and issue a majority opinion, which represents the views of the majority of the justices.

Conclusion

The justices of the U.S. Supreme Court play a critical role in American society. Their decisions have a far-reaching impact on the lives of all Americans. The confirmation process and the justices' work on the bench are both essential to the functioning of our democracy.