What is the rule of four in the context of the U.S. Supreme Court?

The rule of four is specifically related to the U.S. Supreme Court's procedure for deciding which cases to hear. It states that a minimum of four justices must agree to grant a petition for a writ of certiorari in order for the Court to review a case. This rule serves to ensure that a minority of justices can still bring a case before the Court, reflecting a commitment to access to the judicial system for various legal issues, even if a majority of justices do not initially agree on its importance.

In this context, it emphasizes the collaborative and deliberative nature of the Court, allowing for a diverse range of cases that may not be put forth by the majority. This mechanism plays a significant role in shaping the Court's docket and prioritizing issues that may impact broader legal principles and precedents, rather than being solely dictated by a simple majority.

Understanding this rule is crucial as it reflects the Court's function and responsibilities, indicating that not all cases will receive equal attention and that it takes a collective agreement to bring forward contentious or potentially impactful issues.