Empirical SCOTUS 2023 Term Statistics

The website ‘Empirical SCOTUS‘ is dedicated to providing an empirical analysis of the U.S. Supreme Court’s activities, decisions, and the behaviors of its justices. Here’s a summary based on the information available up to August 2024:

• Purpose and Content: Empirical SCOTUS offers detailed insights into Supreme Court decisions, the frequency and length of opinions, the role of separate opinions, and the ideological leanings of justices. It uses empirical data to analyze everything from the length of majority opinions to the impact of individual justices on legal outcomes.
• Statistical Analysis: The site frequently updates with statistics like the number of words spoken by justices during oral arguments, the frequency of unanimous decisions versus split decisions, and how often justices are in the majority or dissent. For instance, during the October Term 2023, it provided detailed breakdowns of words spoken by each justice during different sittings.
• Author and Background: Created by Adam Feldman, who has a Ph.D. in Political Science and a J.D., the site leverages his academic background to delve into legal analytics. Adam’s work has been cited in numerous publications, indicating the site’s credibility and influence in legal and academic circles.
• Recent Findings: Recent analyses have highlighted trends like the increase in ideological splits in decisions, the impact of new justices on the court’s dynamics, and how certain cases might reflect broader shifts in legal interpretation or judicial philosophy. For example, there’s mention of how the court’s decisions in the 2023 term reflected a conservative supermajority’s influence, yet also showed moments of consensus.
• Publications and Media: Empirical SCOTUS content can also be found on SCOTUSBlog, suggesting its integration into broader legal discourse. Its analyses are often referenced in discussions about the Supreme Court’s direction, the influence of individual justices, and the implications of specific rulings.
• Engagement With Legal Community: The site not only provides data but also engages with legal scholars, practitioners, and the public by offering insights into how the Supreme Court operates, which can influence legal strategies, academic research, and public understanding of judicial processes.