How can the Supreme Court overturn a lower court’s decision on a case?
The Supreme Court can overturn a lower court's decision on a case through a process called appellate review. Here is a general outline of the process:
1. Petition for Certiorari: The party seeking review files a petition, known as a "Petition for Certiorari," asking the Supreme Court to review the case. Only a small fraction of such petitions are granted.
2. Rule of Four: To grant the petition, at least four of the nine Supreme Court justices must agree to hear the case.
3. Briefing: Once the case is accepted, both parties submit written briefs to the Supreme Court. These briefs present the arguments and legal reasoning supporting their positions on the case.
4. Oral Arguments: The Supreme Court allows each party to present their case orally. Justices can ask questions during this phase to seek clarifications or challenge the parties' arguments.
5. Conference: After the oral arguments, the justices meet in a closed-door conference to discuss the case and vote on the outcome. The Chief Justice presides over the conference but only holds one vote like any other justice.
6. Majority Opinion: If a majority of the justices agree on an outcome, one justice is assigned to write the "majority opinion." This opinion outlines the Court's decision, its legal reasoning, and establishes precedents for future cases.
7. Dissenting Opinions: Any justices who disagree with the majority opinion can write dissenting opinions, presenting their own reasoning for opposing the majority's decision.
8. Issuing the Decision: The Court announces its decision and releases the written opinions to the public. This decision can affirm the lower court's decision, reverse it entirely, remand the case back to the lower court for further proceedings, or establish new legal precedents that will guide future cases.
It's important to note that for a lower court's decision to be overturned, a majority of the Supreme Court justices must agree on the reversal. The Supreme Court's decision is then binding on the lower court, and the lower court must comply and adjust its ruling accordingly.