1. What happens after a case is accepted and heard by the supreme court?
The process is that both sides in the litigation submit written briefs to the court (other advocates may also submit briefs in support of one of the sides). Oral arguments are heard in open court. Eventually, the Justices meet to decide the case. The Chief Justice assigns a Justice to write the decision. Dissenting Justices may also write their opinions for the record. The decision is then announced in public, and the opinions made public.
If the decision involves the determination that a law that had been passed by Congress conflicts with the Constitution, as interpreted by the Court, the Congress may amend the law or write a new one according to the Court's guidelines. The decision of the Supreme Court cannot be appealed, though. It's final.
After a case is accepted and heard by the Supreme Court, several steps follow:
1. Oral Arguments: Both parties present their arguments before the Supreme Court justices. Each side typically has 30 minutes to make their case, presenting legal arguments, precedents, and interpretations of the law.
2. Conference: After oral arguments, the justices meet privately in a conference to discuss the case. They debate the issues, exchange views, and vote on their initial inclinations.
3. Opinion Writing: The justice assigned to write the majority opinion begins drafting it. Other justices who may disagree with the majority's initial inclination may write separate concurring or dissenting opinions. These opinions explain the reasoning and legal basis for the court's decision.
4. Majority Opinion: Once the majority opinion is finalized, it is typically shared with the other justices for review and potential revisions.
5. Decision Announcement: The Court announces its decision publicly, typically on specified decision days. The justices summarize their views, read excerpts from the opinions, and disclose the Court's decision, which may include affirming or reversing the lower court's ruling, clarifying constitutional interpretations, or remanding the case back to the lower court for further proceedings.
6. Dissenting Opinions: Justices who disagree with the majority may write dissenting opinions, providing an alternative perspective on the case's outcome.
7. Precedent: The Court's decision establishes a precedent, which serves as a legal guideline for lower courts in similar cases. This precedent influences future legal interpretations and helps shape the development of constitutional law.
It's important to note that the Supreme Court hears a limited number of cases each term, so not all cases that seek Supreme Court review are accepted. The Court selects cases with important legal or constitutional implications, conflicts among lower courts (circuit splits), or cases that raise significant public interest or widespread legal controversies.