Supreme Court Reflection

The Supreme Court of the United States of America

Before diving into my government class, I didn’t fully grasp how influential the Supreme Court really is. Sure, I knew it was important, but I didn’t realize just how selective and powerful it is. Every year, thousands of petitions are submitted, yet only about 100 make it through. That alone shows how carefully the Court chooses what it will hear.

The Court is made up of nine justices who consider some of the most complex legal questions in the country. They reach decisions privately, without public debate or media coverage. Despite this secrecy, their rulings have a massive impact on our laws and society.

What gives the Supreme Court its authority is the U.S. Constitution—a document written over 200 years ago. It’s incredible that this same framework continues to guide decisions today. Over 100 justices have served throughout history, and most stay on the bench for an average of 16 years. It’s said that it takes about 3–5 years just to get used to the role.

Controversy is almost unavoidable. In 1801, when the government moved to Washington, D.C., Chief Justice John Marshall took charge and helped shape the Court’s identity. His decision in Marbury v. Madison established judicial review, giving the Court the power to strike down unconstitutional laws. That was a game-changer.

Dred Scott

Not all decisions have been well received. The Dred Scott case, which granted freedom to a Missouri slave, led to intense backlash and contributed to the Civil War. Later, the 14th Amendment reinforced the idea that no citizen could be denied due process.

Today, the Court’s job is to answer two key questions: Did the lower court apply the law correctly? And is the law itself constitutional? It’s a quiet but powerful force in shaping our democracy.

As I learned from this documentary about The Supreme Court, justices don't just enforce the law, they shape principles that guide the country. There's tons of thought that goes into each decision that reaches their desks. Each case entails debates, precent consideration, and legal reasoning. It's captivating how a single ruling can affect future cases across decades.

*AI Disclosure: portions of this blog post were assisted by AI.