The United States Supreme Court consists of the Chief Justice of the United States and eight associate justices. At its discretion, and within certain guidelines established by Congress, the Supreme Court each year hears a limited number of the cases it is asked to decide. Those cases may begin in the federal or state courts, and they usually involve important questions about the Constitution or federal law.

 For more information about the Supreme Court, visit:

• Official web site:  www.supremecourtus.gov
• The Supreme Court Historical Society
• The U.S. Supreme Court Justices Database
  Public database containing a wealth of information on individuals nominated (whether confirmed or not) to the U.S. Supreme Court.