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How are precedents used in majority opinions and dissents?
to support an argument by showing that because other courts have made similar decisions, the decision in the current case must be logical
This person assigns the writing of opinions to the justices?
chief justice
What are the steps in deciding major supreme court cases?
Someone petitions the Supreme Court to review a case on appealThe lawyers submit briefsThe justices vote to decide which cases to hearThe Clerk schedules oral argumentsThe justices read all briefs and lower court documentsThe justices have their clerks research precedents and other informationThe justices listen to oral argumentsThe justices hold a case conference to discuss issues and take a voteOne justice is assigned to write the official opinion of the CourtThe opinion is circulated for commentsOther justices write concurring or dissenting opinions (optional)The decision is released to the parties and the general public
What is the lasting effect of majority opinions?
The minority opinions of today might be the majority opinions of tomorrow so it's good to let your opinions be heard for the future.
Who assigns writing opinions to the justices?
The "opinion of the Court" is synonymous with the Court's decision. The Opinion gives the verdict and explains the reasoning behind the decision reached.The privilege of writing the official opinion falls to the most senior justice in the majority group, or to the Chief Justice if he voted with the majority; this person may choose to write the opinion, or may assign the task to another member of the majority.If the justices who voted against the majority wish to issue a unified dissenting opinion, they decide amongst themselves who will author the opinion, then the others, if in agreement, will "join" the opinion.Individual justices may write their own opinions, regardless of whether they agree with the majority. Justices may also "join" or sign any other written opinion they agree with. This generally strengthens the verdict.All published opinions except for Per Curiam decisions may be used as precedent in future litigation.For more information about Supreme Court opinions, see Related Links, below.
