The Supreme Court is established by Article III, Section 1 of the Constitution of the United States, which says: "The judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one supreme Court .

The size of the Court is not specified; the Constitution leaves it to Congress to set the number of justices.

were decided, the Court comprised these seven justices: La Amistad 18 U.S. (5 Wheat.)

Spain requested President Martin Van Buren to return the African captives to Cuba under a treaty.

Because of issues of ownership and jurisdiction, the case gained international attention.

The case was decided by the Supreme Court of the United States in favor of the Mende, restoring their freedom.