Answer:
The Supreme Court decides cases through a process involving multiple steps and considerations. The best description of how the Supreme Court decides cases is as follows:
The Supreme Court is the highest judicial authority in the United States and its primary role is to interpret the Constitution and ensure the law is applied correctly. When deciding cases, the Supreme Court follows a set of procedures and considerations, which include:
Granting Certiorari: The Supreme Court selects cases it will hear by granting certiorari, which is a formal request for a lower court to send the records of a case to the Supreme Court for review.
Oral Arguments: Once a case is accepted, the parties involved present their arguments before the Supreme Court justices during oral arguments. This allows the justices to ask questions and engage in a dialogue to gain a deeper understanding of the legal issues at hand.
Examination of Briefs and Records: Prior to oral arguments, the Supreme Court justices review briefs submitted by the parties, which summarize their legal arguments and relevant case law. They also examine the lower court records to understand the factual background of the case.
Deliberation and Opinion Writing: After oral arguments, the justices deliberate among themselves to discuss the case and exchange views. They then proceed to write opinions, which explain the reasoning behind their decision. These opinions can take the form of majority opinions, concurring opinions, or dissenting opinions.
Decision Making: The Supreme Court's decision is reached through a majority vote among the justices. The decision sets a precedent and becomes the law of the land, guiding future legal interpretations.
It's important to note that the Supreme Court's decision-making process can be influenced by various factors, such as legal precedents, constitutional principles, public policy considerations, and individual justices' legal philosophies. The Court aims to ensure fairness, uphold the rule of law, and make decisions that align with the Constitution and the best interpretation of the law.