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A Closer Look: Responsibilities of the Junior Justice on the Supreme Court

While the Chief Justice holds a prominent role with duties like presiding over Senate impeachment trials and issuing annual reports, the junior-most justice also has distinct responsibilities that are more understated but equally important. Here’s an overview of what being the newest member of the Supreme Court entails:

1. Answering the Door

One of the most notable tasks for the junior justice is to answer the door during private conferences. As Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson explained, this responsibility involves getting up whenever someone knocks on the conference room door. This often happens because a colleague has left their glasses or needs something like a scarf due to the cold temperature inside.

2. Note-Taking and Recording Conference Discussions

The junior justice serves as the de facto note-taker during private conferences, where they listen to everyone speak in descending order of seniority (the Chief Justice goes first, while the most junior speaks last). This role involves taking detailed notes on discussions and communicating relevant aspects such as which cases have been granted to necessary court staff members.

3. Cafeteria Committee

The junior justice is also responsible for serving on the court’s cafeteria committee.

Read the full article at SCOTUSblog

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