The U.S. Supreme Court: The Nation’s Highest Court

The U.S. Supreme Court: The Nation’s Highest Court

Written by: Keya Gambhir

The Supreme Court of the United States is the highest and most important court in the country. It leads the judicial branch of the U.S. government, which is responsible for interpreting laws and making sure they follow the Constitution, the most important set of rules in the nation. The judicial branch works alongside the executive branch, led by the president, and the legislative branch, which is Congress. These three branches share power to make sure no one branch becomes too powerful, keeping the government balanced and fair.

What the Supreme Court Does

The Supreme Court has the power to overturn laws or decisions from lower courts if they conflict with the Constitution. This includes both federal laws and state laws. Some cases go straight to the Supreme Court, like disagreements between two states, but most cases start in lower courts, such as a federal district court or a state supreme court, and are then appealed. The justices decide which cases they will hear. Only a few hundred out of thousands of requests each year are accepted.

When a case is heard, the Supreme Court listens to lawyers from both sides, but there are no witnesses or juries. After discussions, the justices vote, and a majority is needed for a decision. One justice writes the majority opinion, explaining the reasoning behind the Court’s ruling. Justices who disagree can write dissenting opinions, which explain their different viewpoints. These opinions are published and guide lower courts in future cases.

Who Are the Justices?

The Supreme Court has nine justices: one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices. They are nominated by the president and must be approved by the Senate. Once approved, they serve for life, unless they retire or are removed through impeachment for misconduct. This lifetime appointment allows justices to make decisions based on the law rather than political pressure.

For a long time, the Supreme Court was made up only of white men. Over time, the Court became more diverse. In 1967, Thurgood Marshall became the first African American justice. In 1981, Sandra Day O’Connor became the first woman justice. And in 2022, Ketanji Brown Jackson made history as the first African American woman justice. Today, John Roberts serves as Chief Justice, and the justices include Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, Amy Coney Barrett, and Ketanji Brown Jackson.

A Look at History

The Supreme Court was established in 1789 by the Judiciary Act, with one Chief Justice and five associate justices. The first Chief Justice, John Jay, was chosen by President George Washington. The Court first met in New York City in 1790, then in Philadelphia from 1791 to 1800. After the government moved to Washington, D.C., the Court used different rooms in the Capitol Building.

In 1935, the Supreme Court moved into its own building, designed by Cass Gilbert. The marble building has four floors, including the main courtroom, offices for the justices, a huge law library, meeting areas, and even a gym. The building is across the street from the U.S. Capitol and has its own police force. Visitors can explore exhibits, a gift shop, and a short film about the Court. Public hearings occur from October to April on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, with seating first-come, first-served.

Landmark Cases and Judicial Review

One of the Court’s most important powers is judicial review, which allows it to declare laws unconstitutional. This power was first used in Marbury v. Madison in 1803. Over time, the Court has made many landmark decisions. For example, in Brown v. Board of Education (1954), the Court ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional, overturning the earlier Plessy v. Ferguson decision. Other significant cases include rulings on marriage rights, personal freedoms, and equality.

Supreme Court decisions can even lead to changes in the Constitution. For instance, the 16th Amendment allowed income taxes, reversing an earlier Supreme Court ruling that had declared them unconstitutional. These decisions show the Court’s important role in shaping laws and protecting citizens’ rights.

Teaching Kids About the Supreme Court

The Supreme Court also works to educate young people about its role. The Kids’ Activity Book, available on the Supreme Court’s website, helps children learn about the Court through fun activities and puzzles. It explains how the justices make decisions, the importance of the Constitution, and how the Court protects citizens’ rights. Understanding the Supreme Court helps kids see why it is a vital part of American democracy.

The U.S. Supreme Court is more than just a building in Washington, D.C. It is a cornerstone of the American legal system, protecting the Constitution and ensuring that laws are fair. Its justices make decisions that can last for generations, shaping society and upholding the principles of justice and liberty. By learning about the Court, kids can understand how important it is for keeping the nation’s laws just and balanced.