Supreme Court Reflection

                                        The Supreme Court of The United States of America

The United States Supreme Court stands as the most powerful judicial body in the world. Its authority doesn’t come from enforcement or military might, it comes from the trust and faith of the American people. This trust has been earned over centuries through careful interpretation of the Constitution and consistent dedication to justice.

One of the Court’s most significant powers is judicial review, the ability to strike down laws deemed unconstitutional. This power was first asserted under Chief Justice John Marshall in Marbury v. Madison, a landmark case that helped establish the Court as a co-equal branch of government. I know that without Marshall, and the power of judicial review our courts wouldn't have the power that they have today. Marshall’s leadership was pivotal in gaining public respect for the judiciary, transforming it from a relatively weak institution into a cornerstone of American democracy.

Despite its strength, the Court has faced setbacks. The infamous Dred Scott decision, which denied citizenship to African Americans, severely damaged its credibility for years. However, the Court has also played a vital role in expanding civil rights, especially through the interpretation of the 14th Amendment is often referred to as the “Second Bill of Rights.”

The Court is composed of nine Justices, each confirmed by the Senate. Over 100 individuals have served on the bench, with most serving for more than 16 years. Once appointed, Justices are insulated from public influence, allowing them to make decisions based solely on legal reasoning rather than political pressure.

Each year, the Court receives around 7,000 petitions. Every case is given equal consideration, though only a small fraction are heard. I think it's very impressive that the supreme court finds the time to consider each and every case. When a case is accepted, oral arguments are held publicly, with each lawyer given 30 minutes to present their side. Afterward, the Justices deliberate privately and vote. One Justice is assigned to write the majority opinion, which is revised multiple times to ensure clarity and fairness.

Ultimately, the Supreme Court’s power lies not in its rulings alone, but in the trust it has earned from the American people. That trust is what allows it to shape the law and the nation for generations.

AI disclosure: After taking notes while watching a 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, captions, and I expanded on the ai generated text by adding some of my personal thoughts and opinions.