Approximately, how many cases/petitions were on the docket during the recent term of the US Supreme Court?

A. 8,500
B. 10,000
C. 11,500
D. 13,000

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B. 10,000

The Term of the Court begins, by law, on the first Monday in October and lasts until the first Monday in October of the next year. Approximately 10,000 petitions are filed with the Court in the course of a Term. In addition, some 1,200 applications of various kinds are filed each year that can be acted upon by a single Justice.

The Court's caseload has increased steadily in recent years. In 1960, only 2,313 cases were on the docket, and in 1945, only 1,460. Plenary review, with oral arguments by attorneys, is granted in about 100 cases per Term. Formal written opinions are delivered in 80 to 90 cases. Approximately 50 to 60 additional cases are disposed of without granting plenary review. The publication of a Term's written opinions, including concurring opinions, dissenting opinions, and orders, approaches 5,000 pages. Some opinions are revised a dozen or more times before they are announced.

More details can be found at www.supremecourt.gov/about/justicecaseload.aspx

Posted by Jeff Rae on Oct 20, 2011 at 9:41 AM