The Retirement of Justice O'Connor: Quorum Requirements, Rehearings and Vote Counts in the Supreme Court

RS22300 -- The Retirement of Justice O'Connor: Quorum Requirements, Rehearings and Vote Counts in the Supreme Court

October 18, 2005

Summary

Justice Sandra Day O'Connor's announcement that she will retire from the Supreme Court of the United States effective upon the confirmation of her successor has raised questions regarding the conditions under which her vote may or may not be counted in certain cases. This report provides an overview of quorum requirements, rehearing procedures and vote count practices in the Supreme Court, with a focus on their application in relation to Justice O'Connor's pending retirement.