The votes of four Justices at Conference (see Rule of four) will suffice to grant certiorari and place the case on the court 's calendar. If the Supreme Court grants certiorari (or the certified question or other extraordinary writ), then a briefing schedule is arranged for the parties to submit their briefs in favor of or against a particular form of relief. During this time, an individual or group having an interest in a case but not a party to the case may submit a motion to appear before the court as amicus curiae ("friend of the court ''). Except for certain specific categories (such as lawyers for state and local governments) or where all parties to the case consent, it is in the Court 's discretion whether such motions are granted.
how many justices must vote to hear a case before the supreme court hears the case
four four