As each case is called before the court, lawyers for each side are allowed only 30 minutes to present their argument. As many as 24 cases may be presented in each two-week sitting with an average of from one to three cases heard per day. Since the majority of cases involve the review of a lower court's decision, there is no jury present and no witnesses are called. While there in no testimony from witnesses, the Justices almost always pose questions to both the lawyers and to other Justices. The Justices' questions often raise hypothetical constitutional situations related to the case being argued.
Justices often ask questions designed to point out future implications of their decision.
Lawyers consider arguing a case before the Supreme Court to be the highlight of their careers and are presented a souvenir white quill pen by the Court to commemorate their appearance. After a one-hour lunch recess at noon, the Justices continue to hear arguments until 3 pm. For cases argued on Monday, the Justices vote on it on Wednesday. Votes on cases argued Tuesday and Wednesday are cast on Friday. The senior Justice voting with the majority assigns the job of writing the majority opinion and the senior Justice voting with the minority chooses who will write the minority opinion.