What happens following oral arguments?
Once oral arguments have concluded, the justices begin the tasks of deciding the cases that they have heard and writing opinions. This process usually takes four to six weeks. Intensive research, and, frequently, lengthy discussion precedes the opinion writing process. Between oral arguments and the rendering of opinions, the justices meet in private conferences closed even to their staffs, to discuss the cases and take preliminary votes on the outcome. Cases are discussed by each justice. One justice is randomly assigned to write the opinion. If the proposed author is in the minority, a justice from the majority will be assigned to write the majority opinion. The dissenting justice or justices may then draft dissenting and/or concurring opinions. Draft opinions are circulated privately among the justices, and revisions are made until the justices agree upon final drafts. Decisions of the court are made public when the court files them with the Clerks Office of the Supreme Court. The C
