How is a US Supreme Court Term divided?

Answer 1

Supreme Court Terms begin the first Monday in October and end the first Monday in October of the following year.

A Term is divided into intervals where the Court is "sitting," or actively hearing arguments, and when it is "recessed," or handling administrative tasks (writing opinions, reviewing new cases, etc.).

The Supreme Court hears oral arguments from first Monday in October (or sometimes a bit earlier) through the end of April of the following year. During this period, the Court rotates sittings and recesses every two weeks.

From the end of April until the end of June, the Court only convenes to announce decisions. The Court "rises," or concludes the active business for the Term, at the end of June. During the summer recess, the justices take vacations and review petitions for cases under consider for the upcoming Term.

Answer 2

The US Supreme Court term is divided into two parts: the October session and the January session. The October session begins on the first Monday in October and lasts until late December. The January session begins on the first Monday in January and typically lasts until late June. During each session, the Court hears oral arguments, deliberates on cases, and issues opinions.