🇺🇸 Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS)

on

 

🇺🇸 Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS)

1. Overview

The Supreme Court of the United States (often abbreviated as SCOTUS) is the highest court in the federal judiciary of the United States. It serves as the final arbiter of the Constitution and plays a crucial role in interpreting federal law, resolving constitutional disputes, and ensuring the balance of powers among the three branches of government.

  • Established: 1789, under Article III of the U.S. Constitution

  • Location: Washington, D.C.

  • Authority: U.S. Constitution and federal law



사진출처:istockphoto.com

2. Constitutional and Historical Foundations

2.1. Constitutional Basis

Article III of the U.S. Constitution provides the foundation for the federal judiciary:

"The judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish."

This clause led to the creation of the Supreme Court through the Judiciary Act of 1789.

2.2. Early Years

  • The Court first convened in 1790.

  • John Jay served as the first Chief Justice.

  • Initially, the Court had limited power and influence.

2.3. The Marshall Court (1801–1835)

  • Under Chief Justice John Marshall, the Court gained real authority.

  • Landmark decision: Marbury v. Madison (1803) — established judicial review, the power to declare laws unconstitutional.

3. Functions and Powers

3.1. Constitutional Interpretation

SCOTUS interprets the U.S. Constitution and ensures that laws and actions comply with its provisions.

3.2. Judicial Review

  • Perhaps its most famous function.

  • Established in Marbury v. Madison, judicial review allows the Court to invalidate laws or executive actions that violate the Constitution.

3.3. Final Court of Appeals

  • Acts as the court of last resort for federal and constitutional questions.

  • Reviews decisions of lower federal courts and state supreme courts when constitutional issues are involved.

3.4. Precedent-Setting Decisions

  • Supreme Court rulings set binding precedent for all lower courts.

  • These precedents significantly influence American law and society.

4. Structure and Composition

4.1. Justices

  • 9 Justices: 1 Chief Justice and 8 Associate Justices

  • Appointed by the President, confirmed by the Senate

  • Lifetime tenure, unless they resign, retire, or are removed via impeachment

PositionJustice (2025)
Chief JusticeJohn G. Roberts, Jr.
Associate JusticesClarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, Amy Coney Barrett, Ketanji Brown Jackson

4.2. Terms and Procedure

  • The Court term begins in October and typically ends in late June or early July.

  • Cases are selected through a process called writ of certiorari (granting cert).

  • Opinions include: majority, concurring, and dissenting opinions.

5. Landmark Cases

CaseYearSignificance
Marbury v. Madison1803Established judicial review
Brown v. Board of Education1954Declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional
Roe v. Wade1973Legalized abortion (overturned in 2022)
Bush v. Gore2000Effectively decided the presidential election
Obergefell v. Hodges2015Legalized same-sex marriage nationwide
Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health2022Overturned Roe v. Wade, returning abortion regulation to the states

6. Influence and Political Impact

6.1. Societal Influence

Supreme Court decisions shape American society on issues such as:

  • Civil rights

  • Reproductive rights

  • Free speech and religion

  • Gun control

  • Federal vs. state powers

6.2. Political Ideology

  • Justices may be liberal or conservative in their judicial philosophies.

  • The current Court (as of 2025) has a conservative majority (6–3 split).

6.3. Controversy and Legitimacy

  • Some decisions are widely viewed as politically charged, impacting public perception.

  • Lifetime appointments have sparked debates about judicial reform, including proposals for term limits or court expansion.

7. Criticisms and Debates

7.1. Lifetime Appointments

  • Critics argue lifetime tenure can lead to lack of accountability or political imbalance.

7.2. Lack of Transparency

  • No video recording is allowed during oral arguments.

  • Only audio recordings and written transcripts are available.

7.3. Judicial Activism vs. Restraint

  • Judicial activism: When the Court is seen as shaping policy through its rulings.

  • Judicial restraint: When the Court limits itself to narrow constitutional interpretation.

8. Cultural and Symbolic Importance

  • Often called “The Court of Last Resort” or simply “The Nine.”

  • Its marble building in D.C. stands as a symbol of justice and constitutional order.

  • The Court has become a focal point for major political movements and protests.

9. Conclusion

The Supreme Court of the United States is more than just a legal institution — it is a powerful body that defines the meaning of law and liberty in American life. From its humble beginnings to its modern-day prominence, the Court has shaped and reshaped the U.S. Constitution through centuries of pivotal rulings. Understanding the Supreme Court is essential to grasp how American democracy works — and how it evolves.

Comments

Post a Comment