First Monday in October
The "First Monday in October" marks the traditional opening day of the Supreme Court's new term in the United States, having been established by Congress in 1916 to provide the Court with more time to address its growing caseload. The first session on this day includes various formal rituals, such as tributes to deceased and retired justices, as well as the taking of oaths by new justices joining the Court. Historically, the week leading up to this day was dedicated to conferences where justices would review cases from the previous term and discuss new cases that emerged during the summer recess. It was during this time that the justices would decide which cases would be accepted for oral argument. In 1975, the process was modified; the justices began their conferences in the last week of September, while oral arguments officially commenced on the First Monday in October. This day symbolizes a significant moment in the judicial calendar, reflecting the continuous evolution of the Court's procedures and the importance of its role in the American legal system.
Subject Terms
First Monday in October
Definition: Opening day of the Supreme Court session.
Significance: Although the agenda for the First Monday in October has changed over the years, this day still holds symbolic meaning for the Court.
In 1916 Congress moved the opening session of the Supreme Court from the second Monday in October to the first Monday in October (beginning in 1917) to allow the Court more time to handle its increasing agenda. Some rituals of first Monday include tributes offered to deceased and retired associates and court officers and judicial oaths taken by new justices.
From 1917 to 1975, opening day and week were spent in conference. The justices examined cases that were still open from the previous term and discussed new cases that appeared on the Court’s docket during summer recess. During this week agreement on which cases to accept for oral argument was reached, and the announcement of these cases was made on the second Monday of October.
At the start of the October, 1975, session, this custom was changed. Thereafter the justices gathered for their conference during the last week in September. Oral arguments started when the justices formally met on the first Monday in October.