Category: American Government
At least five (5) Supreme Court justices are usually needed to decide a case. This is a simple majority of the nine justices.
When the Court hears a case, justices discuss it privately and then vote. The side with five or more votes wins. A justice from the majority writes the Court's opinion explaining the reasoning.
Justices who disagree can write dissenting opinions. Sometimes the vote is unanimous (9-0), but controversial cases often split 5-4 or 6-3.
Say: 'Five.'
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