How is the importance of the Supreme Court primarily measured?

The importance of the Supreme Court is primarily measured by the impact their decisions have on all stages of the judicial process. This influence extends beyond the immediate case at hand, shaping legal precedents and establishing interpretations of constitutional and statutory law that guide lower courts, lawmakers, and public policy. The decisions made by the Supreme Court can affect broad societal issues and rights, influencing the legal landscape for years or even decades.

While the number of cases reviewed yearly might reflect the Court's workload, it doesn't necessarily convey the significance of those cases or their outcomes. The physical size of the Court's building is irrelevant to its judicial significance and does not measure its influence. Similarly, the diversity of the members on the Court is important for representation and perspectives but does not directly quantify the importance or influence of its decisions. It's the decisions themselves and how they resonate throughout the legal system and society that ultimately reflect the Court's significance.