The Supreme Court is the highest judicial authority in a country, responsible for upholding the Constitution and ensuring justice. In many nations, including India and the United States, the Supreme Court primarily handles constitutional matters, appeals from lower courts, and cases of national significance. The process of handling a case in the Supreme Court involves multiple steps, ensuring a thorough review before a final verdict is delivered.A case reaches the Supreme Court in different ways. In most instances, it is an appeal against a lower court's decision. For example, in India, cases can reach the Supreme Court through Special Leave Petitions (SLPs) under Article 136 of the Constitution. Similarly, in the U.S., cases often come through the appellate system, either from federal courts of appeal or state supreme courts. Additionally, some cases fall under the Supreme Court’s original jurisdiction, such as disputes between states or matters concerning high-ranking officials.Once a petition is filed, the Supreme Court first decides whether to hear the case. If accepted, both parties submit written arguments, known as briefs, outlining their legal positions. In crucial cases, amicus curiae (friends of the court) briefs may also be submitted by experts or organizations with a vested interest in the case.The next stage is oral arguments, where lawyers representing both sides present their cases before the judges. In India, a bench of at least two judges hears most cases, while constitutional benches consist of five or more judges for matters of national importance. In the U.S., the Supreme Court has nine justices who deliberate on cases together. These hearings allow the judges to question attorneys and clarify points of law before making a final decision.After the hearings, the judges deliberate in private and draft their opinions. The majority opinion becomes the ruling of the court, while dissenting judges may write separate dissenting opinions. Sometimes, concurring opinions are written by judges who agree with the verdict but for different reasons. These opinions set legal precedents that guide future cases and judicial decisions.Supreme Court decisions carry immense legal and social impact. Landmark cases such as Brown v. Board of Education (1954) in the U.S., which ended racial segregation in schools, and Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973) in India, which established the "basic structure doctrine" of the Constitution, showcase the court’s role in shaping a nation’s legal framework. In criminal matters, the Supreme Court often intervenes in cases involving the death penalty, human rights, and wrongful convictions, ensuring justice is served.The Supreme Court also acts as the guardian of fundamental rights. It has the power of judicial review, meaning it can strike down laws or executive actions that violate constitutional principles. In many countries, it has played a key role in protecting civil liberties, gender rights, and freedom of speech.While the Supreme Court is the final court of appeal, its decisions are sometimes criticized for judicial overreach or delays due to the backlog of cases. Nevertheless, it remains the ultimate institution for legal justice, ensuring that the rule of law prevails and democracy is upheld. The Supreme Court is the highest judicial authority in a country, responsible for upholding the Constitution and ensuring justice. In many nations, including India and the United States, the Supreme Court primarily handles constitutional matters, appeals from lower courts, and cases of national significance. The process of handling a case in the Supreme Court involves multiple steps, ensuring a thorough review before a final verdict is delivered.A case reaches the Supreme Court in different ways. In most instances, it is an appeal against a lower court's decision. For example, in India, cases can reach the Supreme Court through Special Leave Petitions (SLPs) under Article 136 of the Constitution. Similarly, in the U.S., cases often come through the appellate system, either from federal courts of appeal or state supreme courts. Additionally, some cases fall under the Supreme Court’s original jurisdiction, such as disputes between states or matters concerning high-ranking officials.Once a petition is filed, the Supreme Court first decides whether to hear the case. If accepted, both parties submit written arguments, known as briefs, outlining their legal positions. In crucial cases, amicus curiae (friends of the court) briefs may also be submitted by experts or organizations with a vested interest in the case.The next stage is oral arguments, where lawyers representing both sides present their cases before the judges. In India, a bench of at least two judges hears most cases, while constitutional benches consist of five or more judges for matters of national importance. In the U.S., the Supreme Court has nine justices who deliberate on cases together. These hearings allow the judges to question attorneys and clarify points of law before making a final decision.After the hearings, the judges deliberate in private and draft their opinions. The majority opinion becomes the ruling of the court, while dissenting judges may write separate dissenting opinions. Sometimes, concurring opinions are written by judges who agree with the verdict but for different reasons. These opinions set legal precedents that guide future cases and judicial decisions.Supreme Court decisions carry immense legal and social impact. Landmark cases such as Brown v. Board of Education (1954) in the U.S., which ended racial segregation in schools, and Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973) in India, which established the "basic structure doctrine" of the Constitution, showcase the court’s role in shaping a nation’s legal framework. In criminal matters, the Supreme Court often intervenes in cases involving the death penalty, human rights, and wrongful convictions, ensuring justice is served.The Supreme Court also acts as the guardian of fundamental rights. It has the power of judicial review, meaning it can strike down laws or executive actions that violate constitutional principles. In many countries, it has played a key role in protecting civil liberties, gender rights, and freedom of speech.While the Supreme Court is the final court of appeal, its decisions are sometimes criticized for judicial overreach or delays due to the backlog of cases. Nevertheless, it remains the ultimate institution for legal justice, ensuring that the rule of law prevails and democracy is upheld. Submit