Which term refers to the four-justice threshold to hear a case?

• A. Writ of habeas corpus
• B. Original jurisdiction
• C. Bully Pulpit
• D. Rule of four

Answer: (D)

The idea being tested is how the Supreme Court decides which cases to hear. The term refers to the practice that at least four of the nine justices must agree to grant certiorari and take up a case. This four-justice threshold is the Rule of Four. It controls which petitions for review the Court accepts and helps manage the docket; it means a case isn’t heard unless a minority of justices supports taking it up. Writ of habeas corpus is a mechanism to challenge unlawful detention, not a method for selecting cases. Original jurisdiction describes cases the Court can hear directly, such as disputes between states or involving ambassadors, bypassing the certiorari process. Bully pulpit is a term about using the presidency to influence public opinion, not about how cases are chosen.