10/11 Wed Supreme Court Video Check

What is the nickname sometimes used to refer to the Supreme Court of the United States?

• S.C.O.T.U.S

• Supreme Cocoa

• Cocoa Supreme

• Supreme Court

Answer explanation

The Supreme Court of the United States is often referred to by the acronym 'S.C.O.T.U.S', which stands for 'Supreme Court of the United States'. This acronym is widely used in the media and public discourse to refer to the Supreme Court, making option 'S.C.O.T.U.S' the correct answer.

What is the first thing you need to take a case to the Supreme Court?

• A case or controversy

• A petition for a writ of certiorari

• An appeal from a lower court

• An exhausted appeal at lower levels

Answer explanation

The first thing needed to take a case to the Supreme Court is a 'case or controversy'. This means having a genuine dispute between adversarial parties about a legal matter that can be resolved through legal process. Without a case or controversy, the Court lacks the constitutional authority to make a decision.

What is the formal request called to ask the Supreme Court to hear a case?

• Certiorari

• Petition

• Writ

• Appeal

Answer explanation

The correct answer is Certiorari. In the context of the Supreme Court, a formal request to hear a case is called a writ of certiorari. This legal term originates from Latin, and it is used specifically within the U.S. legal system for appeals to higher courts. The other options, Petition, Writ, and Appeal, while related, do not specifically refer to this formal request.

How many justices have to agree to hear a case for it to be granted?

• 4

• 5

• 8

• 9

Answer explanation

The U.S. Supreme Court operates under a rule known as the 'rule of four.' This rule states that at least four justices must agree to hear a case for it to be granted. Therefore, the correct answer is '4', not '5', '8', or '9'.

What are written legal arguments from each side called?

• Briefs

• Underwear

• Petitions

• Arguments

Answer explanation

In the context of legal proceedings, 'Briefs' are documents where attorneys outline their legal arguments in written form. The term 'Briefs' doesn't refer to the other options provided: 'Underwear' is an item of clothing, 'Petitions' are formal written requests, and 'Arguments' are a more general term that doesn't specifically refer to written legal documents.

What are friend of the court briefs called?

• Amicus curiae

• Amicus briefs

• Legal arguments

• Interest group briefs

Answer explanation

The question asks for another term for 'friend of the court briefs'. The correct answer is 'Amicus curiae', a Latin term that means 'friend of the court'. This term accurately represents briefs submitted by someone not party to a case who wishes to offer information, expertise, or insight that has a bearing on the issues.

How much time does each side get for oral arguments?

• Half an hour

• One hour

• 15 minutes

• One day

Answer explanation

The question asks about the duration allotted for oral arguments by each side. The correct answer is 'Half an hour'. This choice is the standard time limit for each side to present their oral arguments in many legal contexts, including the U.S. Supreme Court.

What is the decision of the court called that either affirms or overturns the lower court's ruling?

• The holding

• The majority opinion

• The dissenting opinion

• The concurring opinion

Answer explanation

The term 'Holding' in legal parlance refers to the decision of the court that affirms or overturns the lower court's ruling. This is precisely what the question was asking for. Therefore, 'The holding' is the correct option, while the other options represent different components or subtypes of a legal decision.

What is the legal reasoning behind the holding called?

• Rationale

• Argument

• Opinion

• Precedent

Answer explanation

The legal reasoning behind a court's decision, or holding, is typically referred to as the 'Rationale'. This term is used to describe the logical reasoning applied to the facts of a case to arrive at a particular judgement. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Rationale'.

What is the term for the opinions written by judges who are on the losing side?

• Dissenting opinions

• Concurring opinions

• Majority opinions

• Amicus briefs

Answer explanation

The term for the opinions written by judges who are on the losing side is called 'Dissenting opinions'. This term is used when judges disagree with the majority opinion and they write their own interpretation or understanding of the law applicable to the case. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Dissenting opinions'.