Outline of Important Topics

1. Supreme Court Background
   • Establishment by Article III of the Constitution
   • Judiciary Act of 1789
2. The Justices
   • Evolution of the number of justices
   • Appointment process and job security
3. The Court’s Jurisdiction
   • Original jurisdiction
   • Appellate jurisdiction
4. Cases
   • Discretionary appellate jurisdiction and certiorari process
5. Judicial Review
   • Origins in Marbury v. Madison
   • Role in upholding the Constitution
6. Role of the Supreme Court
   • Last resort for justice
   • Ensuring separation of powers
   • Protecting civil rights and liberties
7. Impact
   • Influence on society, including high school students
   • Landmark cases affecting everyday lives

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Supreme Court Background

As an American citizen, it is important to have a basic understanding of the Supreme Court and its role in our government. The Supreme Court is the highest court in the United States federal judiciary, established by the Constitution in Article III. This means that it holds a significant amount of power and is responsible for interpreting and upholding the laws of the land.

The Role of the Supreme Court

The main role of the Supreme Court is to serve as the final arbiter in legal disputes, ensuring that the laws of the United States are upheld and interpreted correctly. It is also responsible for determining the constitutionality of laws and government actions. This means that the Supreme Court has the power to strike down laws that are deemed unconstitutional.

Understanding the Structure of the Supreme Court

The Supreme Court is composed of nine justices, including one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices. These justices are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate, and they serve for life unless they choose to retire or are impeached. This lifetime appointment ensures that the justices are not influenced by political agendas and can make decisions based solely on the law.

The Importance of the Judiciary Act of 1789

The organization of the Supreme Court and the federal court system was established through the Judiciary Act of 1789. This act created a Supreme Court with six justices and also established the lower federal courts. This act continues to serve as the foundation for the structure of the federal judiciary.

The Justices

Over time, the number of seats on the Supreme Court has varied, influenced by various Acts of Congress. From a low of five to a high of ten, the current structure was settled post-Civil War, with nine seats: one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices. Appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, justices typically serve for life—a design meant to preserve their independence. This lifetime tenure along with salary protection prevents political interference, allowing them to make impartial decisions.

The Court’s Jurisdiction

The Supreme Court has a unique mix of original and appellate jurisdictions. Under Article III, Section II, it can try certain cases, such as disputes between states or matters involving ambassadors directly. More commonly, it exercises appellate jurisdiction, reviewing cases that involve significant constitutional or federal questions. Examples include cases where the U.S. is a party or issues related to treaties and admiralty law.

Cases

Most of the cases the Supreme Court hears are through discretionary appellate jurisdiction, enabled by the Certiorari Act of 1925. Parties petition for a writ of certiorari, urging the Court to review their case. However, the Court is selective, agreeing to hear only about 100-150 out of over 7,000 yearly petitions, focusing on matters of significant public interest or unresolved legal questions.

Judicial Review

Judicial review, possibly the Supreme Court’s most influential power, allows it to declare legislative or executive actions unconstitutional. Not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution, this authority was asserted in the landmark case of Marbury v. Madison (1803). In deciding this case, the Court set the precedent that Congressional acts conflicting with the Constitution could be nullified, a principle that ensures the supremacy of the Constitution over other laws and extends to state laws as well.

Role of the Supreme Court

The Supreme Court plays a critical role in maintaining the balance of the U.S. constitutional framework. It acts as the court of last resort, provides checks and balances among governmental branches, and fiercely protects civil rights and liberties by overturning unconstitutional laws. By ensuring that democratic processes do not harm minority rights, it safeguards our fundamental values like freedom of speech and due process.

Impact

The decisions of the Supreme Court resonate far beyond the legal community, deeply affecting society at large. This influence extends to high school students, illustrated by landmark cases such as Tinker v. Des Moines (1969), where the Court upheld students’ rights to free expression. This case—stating that “students do not shed their rights at the schoolhouse gate”—exemplifies the Court’s broad impact on American life, echoing through generations and shaping societal norms.

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By understanding these facets of the Supreme Court, we grasp its monumental role in shaping not just legal doctrines but the very fabric of American society. Through its decisions, it touches every citizen’s life, continuously weaving the threads of justice and liberty into the nation’s tapestry.