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When the United States is party to a case in the Supreme Court, it is represented by the office of the US Solicitor General. The Solicitor General's office is under the US Attorney General's Office; they are both part of the Department of Justice in the Executive branch.
The Solicitor General's office has a staff of attorneys whose job it is to argue on behalf of the government. If the case is important enough, the Solicitor General him- or herself may represent the US.
Justice Elena Kagan was US Solicitor General before her elevation to the Supreme Court; Neal Katyal is currently (December 2010) the Acting Solicitor General.
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Is the Attorney General in the US Supreme Court?
No. The U.S. Attorney General is head of the Department of Justice and the top law enforcement officer for the United States, but does not typically argue before the Supreme Court, except under special circumstances. The current Attorney General is Eric Holder. The U.S. Solicitor General (and staff attorneys), who is also a member of the Department of Justice, represents the government before the Supreme Court. The Solicitor General, while not a true member of the Court, is sometimes called "the tenth Justice."
What does the Marshal of the Court cry out at the beginning of each US Supreme Court session?
Opening the session:"The Honorable, the Chief Justice and the Associate Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States."As the Justices enter the courtroom:"Oyez, oyez, oyez: All persons having business before the Honorable, the Supreme Court of the United States, are admonished to draw near and give their attention, for the Court is now sitting. God save the United States and this honorable Court."
Where can I see a photo of the US Supreme Court justices?
The Supreme Court Historical Society hosts a photograph of the justices as a group. The current photograph was taken before Justice Kagan joined the Court, and before Justice Stevens retired; however, the Historical Society promises an update soon. To see a picture of the justices of the Supreme Court of the United States, you can access the Supreme Court Historical Society via Related Links, below.
What gift is given to every attorney who argues before the supreme court?
They receive a white quill pen as a memento. For more information, see Related Questions, below.
Who is over the president of the United States?
The president is the highest elected official, followed by the vice president, then the Senate and House of Representatives, the Supreme Court is on the same level of the Senate. However the United States government by design has a balance of powers, so there isn't a single highest power in all circumstances. Presidents for instance aren't above the law, and can be called before congress or the Supreme court through the process of impeachment.
