Define: Circuit Justice

A Circuit Justice is a Supreme Court Justice who is assigned to oversee emergency applications and other matters arising from a specific federal judicial circuit.

There are nine Circuit Justices, one for each of the nine federal judicial circuits in the United States.

Circuit Justices are assigned by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, taking into consideration factors such as workload and geographic proximity.

The primary role of a Circuit Justice is to handle emergency applications, such as requests for stays of execution or injunctions, that arise from their assigned circuit. They also have administrative responsibilities within their circuit.

No, a Circuit Justice’s decision is final and cannot be appealed. However, the full Supreme Court may later review the decision if a party files a petition for certiorari.

No, a Circuit Justice’s decisions do not establish binding precedent. They are typically temporary measures to address urgent matters until the full Supreme Court can consider the case.

Yes, a Circuit Justice can recuse themselves from a case if they have a conflict of interest or any other valid reason that may compromise their impartiality.

Circuit Justices, like other Supreme Court Justices, hold their positions for life unless they choose to retire or are impeached by Congress for misconduct or other serious offenses.

No, each Circuit Justice is assigned to a specific federal judicial circuit and does not have jurisdiction over multiple circuits.