As an institution, the Supreme Court commands respect, legitimacy, and prestige both in the United States and abroad. The latest edition of eJournal USA describes many aspects of the U.S. Supreme Court. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. and Solicitor General Elena Kagan present their introductions and contributions by legal scholars and journalists focus on the elements of judicial decision making and independence of the justices. Four Court officials and a former Supreme Court law clerk also describe their jobs.

The Committee on the Judiciary of the United States Senate is holding a hearing on the nomination of  Sonia Sotomayor to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.

President Obama nominated Sotomayor on 26 May.

Learn more:

• Senate Consideration of Presidential Nominations: Committee & Floor Procedures
• Scene setter prior to confirmation hearing
• The Criminal Justice Record
• Legal resources on Sotomayor
• Supreme Court Nominations, 1789-2009: Actions by the Senate, the Judiciary Committee & the President