28 USC § 1 - Number of justices; quorum

The Supreme Court of the United States shall consist of a Chief Justice of the United States and eight associate justices, any six of whom shall constitute a quorum.

Source

(June 25, 1948, ch. 646, 62 Stat. 869.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Based on title 28, U.S.C., 1940 ed., § 321 (Mar. 3, 1911, ch. 231, § 215,36 Stat. 1152).

Appointment of “judges of the Supreme Court” by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate is provided by U.S. Constitution art. 2, § 2, cl. 2.

Short Title of 2011 Amendment

Pub. L. 112–63, § 1(a),Dec. 7, 2011, 125 Stat. 758, provided that: “This Act [enacting sections 1390 and 1455 of this title, amending sections 1332, 1391, 1404, 1441, 1446, and 1453 of this title, repealing section 1392 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 1332 and 1390 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Federal Courts Jurisdiction and Venue Clarification Act of 2011’.”

Pub. L. 112–62, § 1,Nov. 29, 2011, 125 Stat. 756, provided that: “This Act [amending section 2107 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 2107 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Appeal Time Clarification Act of 2011’.”

Pub. L. 112–51, § 1,Nov. 9, 2011, 125 Stat. 545, provided that: “This Act [amending sections 1442, 1446, and 1447 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Removal Clarification Act of 2011’.”

Pub. L. 111–369, § 1,Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 4068, provided that: “This Act [amending section 534 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Access to Criminal History Records for State Sentencing Commissions Act of 2010’.”

Short Title of 2010 Amendment

Pub. L. 111–342, § 1,Dec. 22, 2010, 124 Stat. 3607, provided that: “This Act [amending section 2467 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Preserving Foreign Criminal Assets for Forfeiture Act of 2010’.”

Pub. L. 111–223, § 1,Aug. 10, 2010, 124 Stat. 2380, provided that: “This Act [enacting chapter 181 of this title and provisions set out as a note under section 4101 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Securing the Protection of our Enduring and Established Constitutional Heritage Act’ or the ‘SPEECH Act’.”

Short Title of 2009 Amendment

Pub. L. 111–122, § 1,Dec. 22, 2009, 123 Stat. 3480, provided that: “This Act [enacting section 509B of this title, amending sections 1103 and 1182 of Title 8, Aliens and Nationality, and sections 1091 and 2339A of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure, and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 1182 of Title 8] may be cited as the ‘Human Rights Enforcement Act of 2009’.”

Short Title of 2008 Amendment

Pub. L. 110–406, § 1(a),Oct. 13, 2008, 122 Stat. 4291, provided that: “This Act [enacting section 2045 of this title, amending sections 103, 123, 333, 991, 1864, 1866, 1869, 1871, 1875, and 1920 of this title, section 104 of Title 11, Bankruptcy, and sections 3006A, 3152, 3154, 3161, 3563, 3583, 3599, and 3672 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 123 and 1871 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Judicial Administration and Technical Amendments Act of 2008’.”

Pub. L. 110–177, § 1,Jan. 7, 2008, 121 Stat. 2534, provided that: “This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the ‘Court Security Improvement Act of 2007’.”

Short Title of 2007 Amendment

Pub. L. 110–34, § 1,June 14, 2007, 121 Stat. 224, provided that: “This Act [amending section 546 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 546 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Preserving United States Attorney Independence Act of 2007’.”

Short Title of 2005 Amendments

Pub. L. 109–63, § 1,Sept. 9, 2005, 119 Stat. 1993, provided that: “This Act [amending sections 48, 141, 152, and 636 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Federal Judiciary Emergency Special Sessions Act of 2005’.”

Pub. L. 109–8, title XII, § 1223(a),Apr. 20, 2005, 119 Stat. 196, provided that: “This section [amending section 152 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 152 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Bankruptcy Judgeship Act of 2005’.”

Pub. L. 109–2, § 1(a),Feb. 18, 2005, 119 Stat. 4, provided that: “This Act [enacting chapter 114 and section 1453 of this title, amending sections 1332, 1335, and 1603 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 1332, 1711, 2071, and 2074 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Class Action Fairness Act of 2005’.”

Short Title of 2002 Amendment

Pub. L. 107–273, div. C, title I, § 11020(a),Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1826, provided that: “This section [enacting sections 1369, 1697, and 1785 of this title, amending sections 1391 and 1441 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 1369 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Multiparty, Multiforum Trial Jurisdiction Act of 2002’.”

Pub. L. 107–273, div. C, title I, § 11041,Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1848, provided that: “This subtitle [subtitle C (§§ 11041–11044) of title I of div. C of Pub. L. 107–273, enacting chapter 16 of this title, amending sections 331, 332, 372, 375, and 604 of this title, and section 7253 of Title 38, Veterans’ Benefits, and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 351 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Judicial Improvements Act of 2002’.”

Short Title of 2000 Amendment

Pub. L. 106–518, § 1(a),Nov. 13, 2000, 114 Stat. 2410, provided that: “This Act [enacting sections 179 and 613 of this title, amending sections 117, 175, 332, 371, 376, 604, 611, 612, 627, 631, 636, 797, 996, 1865, 1930, and 2671 of this title, sections 3102 and 5551 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, section 1228 of Title 11, Bankruptcy, sections 3006A and 3401 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure, and section 13n of former Title 40, Public Buildings, Property, and Works, repealing section 2520 of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 613, 996, and 1931 of this title, and amending provisions set out as notes under sections 471, 581, and 1931 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Federal Courts Improvement Act of 2000’.”

Short Title of 1998 Amendment

Pub. L. 105–315, § 1,Oct. 30, 1998, 112 Stat. 2993, provided that: “This Act [amending sections 651 to 658 of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under section 651 of this title, and repealing provisions set out as a note under section 652 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Alternative Dispute Resolution Act of 1998’.”

Short Title of 1996 Amendment

Pub. L. 104–317, § 1(a),Oct. 19, 1996, 110 Stat. 3847, provided that: “This Act [enacting sections 258 and 1932 of this title, amending sections 112, 125, 134, 251, 253, 331, 332, 371, 376, 601, 621, 627, 636, 753, 954, 1332, 1404, 1406, 1442, 1446, 1827, 1914, 1931, and 1963 of this title, sections 3154, 3401, and 3603 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure, sections 1983 and 1988 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, and sections 719, 743, 745, 1104, and 1105 of Title 45, Railroads, enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 258, 1332, 1404, 1827, 1914, 1931, and 2412 of this title and section 719 of Title 45, and amending provisions set out as notes under sections 133, 152, 471, and 1913 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Federal Courts Improvement Act of 1996’.”

Short Title of 1994 Amendments

Pub. L. 103–420, § 1,Oct. 25, 1994, 108 Stat. 4343, provided that: “This Act [amending section 612 of this title, amending provisions set out as notes under sections 471 and 651 of this title, and repealing provisions set out as a note under section 651 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Judicial Amendments Act of 1994’.”

Pub. L. 103–383, § 1,Oct. 20, 1994, 108 Stat. 4063, provided that: “This Act [enacting section 1738B of this title and provisions set out as a note under section 1738B of this title] may be cited as the ‘Full Faith and Credit for Child Support Orders Act’.”

Pub. L. 103–270, § 1,June 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 732, provided that: “This Act [amending sections 591 to 596 and 599 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 591 of this title and section 113 of Title 3, The President] may be cited as the ‘Independent Counsel Reauthorization Act of 1994’.”

Short Title of 1992 Amendments

Pub. L. 102–572, § 1,Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4506, provided that: “This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the ‘Federal Courts Administration Act of 1992’.”

Pub. L. 102–572, title IX, § 901,Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4516, provided that: “This title [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the ‘Court of Federal Claims Technical and Procedural Improvements Act of 1992’.”

Pub. L. 102–559, § 1,Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 4227, provided that: “This Act [enacting chapter 178 of this title and provisions set out as a note under section 3701 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act’.”

Pub. L. 102–417, § 1,Oct. 14, 1992, 106 Stat. 2138, provided that: “This Act [amending section 1821 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 1821 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Incarcerated Witness Fees Act of 1991’.”

Pub. L. 102–361, § 1,Aug. 26, 1992, 106 Stat. 965, provided that: “This Act [amending section 152 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 152 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Bankruptcy Judgeship Act of 1992’.”

Short Title of 1990 Amendments

Pub. L. 101–650, § 1,Dec. 1, 1990, 104 Stat. 5089, provided: “That this Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the ‘Judicial Improvements Act of 1990’.”

Pub. L. 101–650, title I, § 101,Dec. 1, 1990, 104 Stat. 5089, provided that: “This title [enacting chapter 23 of this title and provisions set out as notes under section 471 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Civil Justice Reform Act of 1990’.”

Pub. L. 101–650, title II, § 201,Dec. 1, 1990, 104 Stat. 5098, provided that: “This title [amending sections 44 and 133 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 44, 133, and 331 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Federal Judgeship Act of 1990’.”

Pub. L. 101–650, title III, § 301,Dec. 1, 1990, 104 Stat. 5104, provided that: “This title [enacting sections 178, 1367, and 1658 of this title and section 8440b of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, amending sections 108, 112, 122, 133, 152, 158, 332, 333, 375, 376, 377, 601, 602, 604, 631, 636, 995, 996, 1334, 1391, 1441, 1452, 1499, 1605, 1610, 1821, 1871, and 2072 of this title, sections 8331, 8334, 8336, 8339, and 8402 of Title 5, provisions set out in the Appendix to Title 5, and section 305 of Title 11, Bankruptcy, renumbering section 15 of Title 9, Arbitration, as section 16 of Title 9, enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 376, 620, 631, 1367, and 1658 of this title, section 8331 ofTitle 5, section 307 of Title 11, and sections 3006A and 3551 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure, and amending provisions set out as notes under sections 533 and 581 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Federal Courts Study Committee Implementation Act of 1990’.”

Pub. L. 101–650, title IV, § 401,Dec. 1, 1990, 104 Stat. 5122, provided that: “This title [amending sections 332, 372, 453, and 2077 of this title and provisions set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 332 and 372 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Judicial Discipline and Removal Reform Act of 1990’.”

Pub. L. 101–647, title XXXVI, § 3601,Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 4933, provided that: “This title [enacting chapter 176 and section 2044 of this title, amending sections 550, 1962, 1963, and 2410 of this title, section 523 of Title 11, Bankruptcy, and sections 3142 and 3552 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure, and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 3001 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Federal Debt Collection Procedures Act of 1990’.”

Short Title of 1988 Amendments

Pub. L. 100–702, § 1,Nov. 19, 1988, 102 Stat. 4642, provided that: “This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the ‘Judicial Improvements and Access to Justice Act’.”

Pub. L. 100–702, title VII, § 701,Nov. 19, 1988, 102 Stat. 4654, provided that: “This title [amending section 1827 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 1827 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Court Interpreter Amendments Act of 1988’.”

Pub. L. 100–694, § 1,Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4563, provided that: “This Act [enacting section 831c–2 of Title 16, Conservation, amending sections 2671, 2674, and 2679 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 2671 and 2679 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Federal Employees Liability Reform and Tort Compensation Act of 1988’.”

Pub. L. 100–659, § 1,Nov. 15, 1988, 102 Stat. 3910, provided that: “This Act [enacting section 377 of this title and section 8440a of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, amending sections 155, 375, 376, 604, 631, and 636 of this title and sections 8334 and 8402 of Title 5, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 376 and 377 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Retirement and Survivors’ Annuities for Bankruptcy Judges and Magistrates Act of 1988’.”

Short Title of 1987 Amendment

Pub. L. 100–191, § 1,Dec. 15, 1987, 101 Stat. 1293, provided that: “This Act [enacting section 599 of this title, amending sections 49 and 591 to 598 of this title, sections 203 and 205 ofPub. L. 95–521, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, and section 202 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure, enacting provisions set out as a note under section 591 of this title, and amending provisions set out as a note under section 591 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Independent Counsel Reauthorization Act of 1987’.”

Short Title of 1986 Amendments

Pub. L. 99–657, § 1,Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3670, provided that: “This Act [amending sections 90 and 121 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 121 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Judicial Housekeeping Act of 1986’.”

Pub. L. 99–570, § 1151,Oct. 27, 1986, 100 Stat. 3207–12, provided that: “This subtitle [subtitle D (§§ 1151–1153) of title I of Pub. L. 99–570, amending section 524 of this title, section 1963 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure, section 1613a of Title 19, Customs Duties, and section 853 of Title 21, Food and Drugs, and repealing section 1613b of Title 19] may be cited as the ‘Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund Amendments Act of 1986’.”

Pub. L. 99–363, § 1,July 11, 1986, 100 Stat. 770, provided that: “This Act [amending section 994 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Sentencing Guidelines Act of 1986’.”

Pub. L. 99–336, § 1,June 19, 1986, 100 Stat. 633, provided that: “This Act [amending sections 376, 620, 1441, 1914, and 2342 of this title, section 288d of Title 2, The Congress, and sections 8706, 8714a, 8714b, and 8714c of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 376, 620, 1441, 1914, and 2342 of this title, and section 8706 of Title 5] may be cited as the ‘Judicial Improvements Act of 1985’.”

Short Title of 1984 Amendments

Pub. L. 98–620, title IV, § 404,Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3361, provided that: “This subtitle [subtitle B (§§ 404–411) of title IV of Pub. L. 98–620, amending sections 85, 90, 93, 112, 124, and 126 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 85, 90, 93, and 124 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Federal District Court Organization Act of 1984’.”

Pub. L. 98–620, title IV, prec. § 412,Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3362, provided that: “This subtitle [subtitle C (§§ 412–416) of title IV of Pub. L. 98–620, enacting section 798 of this title, amending section 1292 of this title, section 1071 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade, section 1337 of Title 19, Customs Duties, and sections 142 to 144 of Title 35, Patents, and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 713 of this title and section 142 of Title 35] may be cited as the ‘Technical Amendments to the Federal Courts Improvement Act of 1982’.”

For short title of Pub. L. 98–353as the Bankruptcy Amendments and Federal Judgeship Act of 1984, see section 1 ofPub. L. 98–353, set out as a note under section 151 of this title.

Short Title of 1983 Amendment

Pub. L. 97–409, § 1,Jan. 3, 1983, 96 Stat. 2039, provided: “That this Act [amending sections 49, 591, and 592 to 598 of this title and amending provisions set out as a note under section 591 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Ethics in Government Act Amendments of 1982’.”

Short Title of 1982 Amendments

For short title of sections 2 to 6 ofPub. L. 97–394as the Indian Claims Limitation Act of 1982, see section 1 ofPub. L. 97–394, set out as a note under section 2415 of this title.

Pub. L. 97–292, § 1,Oct. 12, 1982, 96 Stat. 1259, provided: “That this Act [amending section 534 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Missing Children Act’.”

Pub. L. 97–164, § 1,Apr. 2, 1982, 96 Stat. 25, provided: “That this Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the ‘Federal Courts Improvement Act of 1982’.”

Short Title of 1980 Amendments

Pub. L. 96–486, § 1,Dec. 1, 1980, 94 Stat. 2369, provided: “That this Act [amending section 1331 of this title and section 2072 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade, and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 1331 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Federal Question Jurisdictional Amendments Act of 1980’.”

Pub. L. 96–462, § 1,Oct. 15, 1980, 94 Stat. 2053, provided that: “This Act [amending sections 84, 95, 105, 113, and 124 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 84, 95, 105, and 113 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Federal District Court Organization Act of 1980’.”

Pub. L. 96–458, § 1,Oct. 15, 1980, 94 Stat. 2035, provided that: “This Act [amending sections 331, 332, 372, and 604 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 331 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Judicial Councils Reform and Judicial Conduct and Disability Act of 1980’.”

Pub. L. 96–452, § 1,Oct. 14, 1980, 94 Stat. 1994, provided: “That this Act [amending sections 41, 44, and 48 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 41 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals Reorganization Act of 1980’.”

Pub. L. 96–417, § 1,Oct. 10, 1980, 94 Stat. 1727, provided: “That this Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the ‘Customs Courts Act of 1980’.”

Short Title of 1979 Amendment

For short title of Pub. L. 96–82, as the “Federal Magistrate Act of 1979”, see section 1 ofPub. L. 96–82, set out as a note under section 631 of this title.

Short Title of 1978 Amendments

For short title of Pub. L. 95–572as the “Jury System Improvements Act of 1978”, see section 1 ofPub. L. 95–572, set out as a note under section 1861 of this title.

Pub. L. 95–539, § 1,Oct. 28, 1978, 92 Stat. 2040, provided: “That this Act [enacting sections 1827 and 1828 of this title, amending sections 602 to 604 and 1920 of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under section 602 of this title, and repealing provisions set out as a note under section 602 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Court Interpreters Act’.”

Pub. L. 95–408, § 1,Oct. 2, 1978, 92 Stat. 883, provided that: “This Act [amending sections 89, 93, 97, 98, 104, 112, 114, 133 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 89 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Federal District Court Organization Act of 1978’.”

Short Title of 1976 Amendments

Pub. L. 94–583, § 1,Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2891, provided: “That this Act [enacting sections 1330 and 1602 to 1611 of this title, amending sections 1332, 1391, and 1441 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 1602 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act of 1976’.”

Pub. L. 94–554, § 1,Oct. 19, 1976, 90 Stat. 2603, provided: “That this Act [amending section 376 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 376 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Judicial Survivors’ Annuities Reform Act’.”

Short Title of 1970 Amendment

Pub. L. 91–271, title I, § 101,June 2, 1970, 84 Stat. 274, provided that: “This title [enacting sections 256 and 257 of this title, amending sections 253 to 255, 1541, 1582, 2601, 2602, and 2631 to 2639 of this title, repealing sections 1583 and 2640 to 2642 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 256 of this title] may be cited as ‘The Customs Courts Act of 1970’.”

Short Title of 1966 Amendment

Pub. L. 89–504, title II, § 201,July 18, 1966, 80 Stat. 293, provided that: “This title [enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 603, 604, and 753 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Federal Judicial Salary Act of 1966’.”

Short Title of 1964 Amendment

Pub. L. 88–426, title IV, § 401,Aug. 14, 1964, 78 Stat. 433, provided that: “This title [amending sections 5, 44, 135, 173, 213, 252, 603, and 792 of this title, section 867 of Title 10, Armed Forces, section 68 of former Title 11, Bankruptcy, and section 7443 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 603, 604 and 753 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Federal Judicial Salary Act of 1964’.”

Gifts to the United States Supreme Court

Pub. L. 108–356, § 3,Oct. 21, 2004, 118 Stat. 1416, provided that: “The Chief Justice or his designee is authorized to accept, hold, administer, and utilize gifts and bequests of personal property pertaining to the history of the United States Supreme Court or its justices, but gifts or bequests of money shall be covered into the Treasury.”