The Basics
Which branch of government does the Philippine Supreme Court belong to?
The judicial branch
Who is the current Chief Justice?
Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo
What is the legal term for a person’s right to bring and maintain an action in court?
Legal Standing / Locus Standi
Where is the building of the Philippine Supreme Court located?
Padre Faura St., Ermita, Manila
TRUE OR FALSE: There must be an actual case or controversy for the Court to rule on a case.
TRUE
What power is vested on the Supreme Court?
Who appoints Supreme Court Justices?
The President
This legal principle emphasizes that previous decisions of the Court must be followed.
Stare decisis
What is the mandatory retirement age for Supreme Court justices?
A case becomes moot and academic when...
there is no longer a real dispute for the Court to resolve
Which article in the 1987 Philippine Constitution primarily discusses the power of the Supreme Court?
Article VIII
How many Justices is the Supreme Court composed of?
15 (1 Chief Justice, 14 Associate Justices)
Statements made by a judge that are not essential to the decision are called what?
Obiter dictum
Which qualities must a candidate have to be appointed as a Supreme Court Justice?
Competence, integrity, probity and independence
This doctrine prevents the Court from ruling on purely political questions.
Political Question Doctrine
What is the written explanation of a Supreme Court decision called?
Opinion / Decision / Ruling
How many divisions does the Supreme Court have?
Three
The reason on which the Court's decision is based.
Ratio decidendi
Who was the first female Chief Justice of the Philippine Supreme Court?
Maria Lourdes Sereno
A writ issued to protect a person from illegal detention.
Habeas corpus
Name the two types of jurisdiction exercised by the Supreme Court.
Original and appellate jurisdiction
Which body is in charge of screening and nominating applicants to top positions in the judiciary?
The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC)
What is the power of the Supreme Court to declare a law unconstitutional?
Judicial Review
Trial court judges wear robes provided by the Supreme Court. What color are they?
Black
A writ used to compel a person, tribunal, corporation, board, or officer to perform a ministerial duty.
Writ of mandamus