The U.S. Supreme Court receives around 7,000+ appeals each year, the majority of which are disposed of when the Court decides not to hear the case because of the subject matter, or if the issues presented are not significant enough to merit court review. The decision to hear a case is made when the justices meet to review all of the 7,000+ appeals. In order for all the justices to hear an appeal, the case must pass a screening known as the “Rule of Four.” This means that at least four of the nine justices must agree that the case has constitution merit or presents issues of national importance. If a case receives four or more votes from the justices, it is placed on the docket and scheduled to be heard. Annually, only about 100 or so cases pass the “Rule of Four” and are placed on the docket for an opinion.
Discuss the following (2 or more paragraphs):
(a) Should the rule be changed?
(b) Should the U.S. Supreme Court hear more cases considering the 7,000+ appeals they receive and why?
…. perhaps a Rule of Two or even a Rule of One?
Discuss the possible implications of keeping the Rule of Four as it is or extending the rule to include more cases.