Supreme court ( political science) - Essay Example

The founders, knowing that a sovereign judiciary system was vital to the success of a democratic nation, ensured that federal judges would be appointed for life terms. They can be removed from the bench only if impeached and convicted by Congress of ‘Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.’ The current configuration of eight justices and one chief justice was formed in 1869. Congress assigned drafting rules of federal procedure to the Supreme Court in 1934. Republican Presidents appointed seven of the nine current Supreme Court judges (Gill, 2005).

The Supreme Court begins each term on the first Monday of October which lasts until late June. The Term is divided between alternating periods of sittings and recesses which alternate at approximately two-week intervals. Sittings are when the Justices hear cases and deliver opinions and during the intervening recesses, they consider matters brought before the Court and write legal opinions. During court proceedings, each side is allowed 30 minutes argument and as many as 24 cases may be heard during one sitting.

There is no jury and no witnesses are presented because most of the cases entail the assessment of a lower court decision. The Court is provided the record of each case and papers which include the arguments of each party. During the recess phase, the Justices study the cases and write their opinions. The Justices must also assess more than 130 petitions every week to ascertain which cases are to be granted a court hearing. Public sessions are held from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Monday through Wednesday when the Court is in session (sitting).

The Justices meet to discuss and vote on petitions for review and to discuss cases on Fridays during preceding argument weeks. Prior to hearing oral argument when the Court is in session, other business of the Court is performed. This includes, on Monday mornings, the