The United States Supreme Court


In 1789 the first United States Supreme Court was established. The supreme court is the highest court in the U.S. and the chief authority in the judicial branch. The Court hears appeals about the verdicts from state supreme courts and lower federal courts. Its also the ultimate authority on constitutional interpretation. The only way a decision made in the Supreme Court can be changed is by a constitutional amendment.

There are nine judges that make up the court. There is the Chief Justice of the United States and eight associate justices. These judges are appointed by the president, and serve a life term. The U.S. Senate has to approve of the appointee with a majority vote. These nine judges work in the Supreme Court Building across the street form the Capital building.

The Supreme Court has complete authority over the federal courts, and limited power over state courts. For the federal courts the supreme court has the final word on cases heard in them and write ...