How many justices must agree to hear a case?

How many justices must agree to hear a case?

• A. Four
• B. Five
• C. Six
• D. Three

Answer: (A)

In the Supreme Court, deciding which cases to hear is discretionary. The Court grants a writ of certiorari when at least four justices vote to hear the case. This four-justice threshold, known as the rule of four, is a long-standing practice (not a constitutional rule) that allows the Court to select cases it finds worthy of review. If fewer than four justices favor granting cert, the case is denied and won’t be heard. While four is the minimum needed to take a case, more than four can also agree to hear a case, but four is the essential number.

In the Supreme Court, deciding which cases to hear is discretionary. The Court grants a writ of certiorari when at least four justices vote to hear the case. This four-justice threshold, known as the rule of four, is a long-standing practice (not a constitutional rule) that allows the Court to select cases it finds worthy of review. If fewer than four justices favor granting cert, the case is denied and won’t be heard. While four is the minimum needed to take a case, more than four can also agree to hear a case, but four is the essential number.