Supreme Court Video

I have always been taught that the supreme court was the back bone of America. In the videos we watched in class about the Supreme Court I learned that the Supreme Court consists of nine judges who meet to deliberate someone's fate. These nine justices are considered the most powerful judicial body on earth. Since the beginning of the supreme court there has only been about 100 justices and they serve an average of 16 years each. These justices also serve life terms, meaning they do not have a limit on how many years they can serve. The supreme court receives over about 100 cases per week which equals about 7000 cases annually but only 100 are accepted for full consideration each year. 

The Supreme Court's authority extends over a broad spectrum of cases, including those involving federal statutes, treaties, and constitutional questions. It has the power to review and overturn decisions made by lower courts if those decisions are found to conflict with constitutional principles. This role of judicial review was established in the landmark case of Marbury v. Madison (1803), which set a precedent for the Court's authority to invalidate laws and executive actions deemed unconstitutional.

The Court's authority has faced significant challenges over time. In the 1857 case Dred Scott v. Sandford, the Court ruled that it had no power to prohibit slavery, a decision that severely undermined its authority by alienating a large segment of the population, particularly the abolitionist and anti-slavery advocates. Similarly, the Plessy v. Ferguson case of 1896 further eroded the Court’s credibility by upholding racial segregation, thus reinforcing divisions within society. It was not until the passage of the Reconstruction amendments following the Civil War that the complex issue of slavery was decisively addressed. Nonetheless, the Court’s interpretation of the newly amended Constitution would continue to face scrutiny and testing throughout the next century, especially during the Civil Rights era.

In summary, the two videos offered valuable insights into the inner workings of the Supreme Court and its crucial role in shaping U.S. laws and principles. They illustrated how the Court's operations—from selectively reviewing a small number of cases to drafting and revising opinions—demonstrate its significant influence on society. Additionally, the tradition of justices starting each meeting with a handshake is more than just a formality; it serves as a meaningful reminder of the importance of mutual respect, civility, and collaboration in their deliberations. Despite the often intense and contentious nature of their work, this practice underscores the justices' dedication to upholding the Court's integrity and the judicial process. Overall, these videos emphasize that the Supreme Court is not only a formidable legal institution but also a model of professionalism and character in its pursuit of justice.