Supreme Court Reflection

The Supreme Court of the United States is the most                      

Powerful Court in the world 

 

When watching the documentary, I learned that the Supreme Court of the United States stands as the most powerful judicial body in the country. With the authority to interpret the Constitution and shape national policy, its decisions ripple through every corner of American life. There have been over 100 individuals that served as justices since its founding, only nine sit on the bench at any given time—making appointment to the Court a rare and prestigious honor, often compared to being “struck by lightning.”

I learned that the Court was establishing in 1789, and moved to Washington, D.C. in 1801, where it has remained ever since. It receives over 7,000 petitions annually, though it hears only a small fraction—typically fewer than 100 cases. After oral arguments, the justices meet privately to vote. One justice is assigned to write the majority opinion, but others may write concurring or dissenting opinions, a process that often takes the most time in a case.

The documentary talked about the Court’s most significant powers, the judicial review, established in the landmark case Marbury v. Madison (1803). This allows the Court to strike down laws that conflict with the Constitution, reinforcing its role as a guardian of constitutional rights.

The Court’s influence is not just legal—it’s symbolic. Its power rests heavily on the trust of the American people. When the public believes in the Court’s impartiality and integrity, its decisions carry greater weight.

Lastly, a pivotal moment in its history was the Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857) case, where an enslaved man claimed his freedom under an act of Congress. The Court’s ruling against Scott intensified national divisions and remains one of its most controversial decisions.

In essence, the Supreme Court is more than a legal institution—it’s a cornerstone of American democracy.

AI disclosure: After taking noted while watching the Supreme Court video, I used Microsoft Copilot to smooth the text and format it in a readable way. I then edited the AI generated text. I added photos to the text. I expanded on the AI-generated text by adding some of my personal thoughts and opinions.