Section: AP Government

32) How does the US Supreme Court select its caseload?

1. The Chief Justice has the authority to select the cases the court will hear.
2. The Attorney General has the authority to select the cases the court will hear.
3. Chief Justices at the Courts of Appeals forward controversial and landmark cases to the Supreme Court.
4. The Vice President has the authority to select the cases the court will hear.
5. The Supreme Court is free to choose the cases it hears with few limitations.

The Supreme Court decides to hear a case based on at least four of the nine Justices of the Supreme Court agreeing to grant the Petition for Certiorari. If four Justices agree to grant the petition, the Supreme Court will consider the case.  They can hear any case that meets this requirement.