United States Supreme Court

The [U.S. Supreme Court], located in Washington, D.C., is the highest court (see supreme court) in the United States; that is, it has ultimate judicial authority within the United States to interpret and decide questions of federal law. It is head of the [Judicial Branch]? of the [United States Goverment]?. The other two branches of the [United States Government]? are the [Executive Branch]? and the [Legislative Branch]?.

Currently nine justices are appointed for life by the president and confirmed by majority vote by the Senate. One of these nine serves as Chief Justice.

While the Supreme Court has original jurisdiction in a few cases such as suits between states, most of its work consists of reviewing cases from state courts or from lower federal courts, either by direct appeal or by petition for Writ of Certiorari.

See also: /History

See also:

• Executive branch
• Legislative branch