XIII.

Analysis and Discussion

Every Wednesday and Friday during weeks when the Supreme Court hears oral arguments, the justices gather in conference to discuss cases they have heard. No one else is allowed in the room. If a messenger comes to the door, the junior justice goes to the door to receive the message. After a round of handshakes, the justices take assigned seats around a large conference table, and the chief justice begins the discussion by stating the facts of each case and presenting his conclusion. The justices in order of seniority then present their views and the chief justice declares the Court’s tentative vote. It is not a meeting for extended argument among the justices, but merely to sound out the Court’s likely decision.