Blog #2 The Supreme Court

  The Supreme Court possesses significant authority within the United States government, consisting of nine justices. It holds the crucial power to oversee and check the actions of both the legislative and executive branches.

The Supreme Court was established in 1789 by Article Three of the U.S. Constitution, which also granted Congress the power to create inferior federal courts.The Constitution granted Congress the authority to determine the Supreme Court's structure. In 1789, the Judiciary Act marked the legislative branch's inaugural exercise of this power. President George Washington signed the act into law, establishing a six-justice court with appointments lasting until death. 

In the initial gatherings of the Supreme Court, the primary emphasis was on structuring the organization and establishing procedures that would ultimately shape the court into the institution we recognize today. Today I read an article from History Channel called the Supreme Court and I watched a video talking about the Supreme Court and I was tasked with thinking deeper about the Supreme Court. 

 

What did you learn about the Supreme Court that you didn't already know?

 One aspect of the Supreme Court that surprised me was the significant impact of the 14th Amendment on the United States. In the video, they referred to the 14th Amendment as the "Second Bill of Rights." This comparison is drawn because, just like the original Bill of Rights was established to safeguard citizens against federal power, the 14th Amendment aims to protect individuals from the potential abuses of state power. I was genuinely surprised to discover the importance of the 14th Amendment to our country, and I appreciate the video for enlightening me on this matter.

What is the most important take-away point about the Supreme Court?

While I've consistently recognized the gravity of the Supreme Court, I have yet to grasp the sheer volume of cases it handles fully. According to the video, the Supreme Court reviews more than 100 new cases yearly, with about 7,000. The complex process of selecting which cases make it to trial was also eye-opening for me. Typically, a case reaches the Supreme Court as a petition for certiorari—a written argument to convince the court that a lower court's decision was flawed. However, only a select few are granted full consideration, totaling around a hundred cases annually. This extensive and selective process highlights that the cases reaching the Supreme Court are not trivial; they are genuinely unique and of the most significant importance.

What was the most surprising thing you learned?

One of the most surprising revelations I gleaned from watching this video is the magnitude of accomplishment associated with serving on the Supreme Court and the substantial workload the position entails. The video highlighted that it takes 3 to 5 years to settle into the job's demands. Additionally, I learned that many Supreme Court judges continue working until a late age or until they pass away, contributing to the most advanced age of the justices. This newfound understanding adds a profound layer of appreciation for the dedication and endurance required of the Supreme Court judges. I now hold the utmost respect for their role in the judiciary.

How did the video change the way you thought of the Supreme Court?

After viewing these videos and reading the article from the History Channel, my perspective on the Supreme Court has undergone a significant shift. I hadn't realized the intricate process of selecting cases for the Supreme Court, and I've developed a newfound respect for the justices who dedicate their lives to serving on the highest court.