The Supreme Court // Blog 2

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The Supreme Court

Supreme Court Building

Before starting to describe the Supreme Court, it's important to understand the role of the judicial branch of government. The judicial branch is in charge of interpreting the laws and deciding whether or not those laws are constitutional. The Supreme Court is part of the judicial branch as the highest federal court in the country. Established in 1789, the Supreme Court is made up of 9 justices that serve for life. As part of our governments check and balance system, the Supreme Court checks out the executive (president) branch and the legislative (congress) branch. 

The Supreme Court was established in article 3 of the constitution. Article 3 of the Constitution reads... 

"The judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish. The Judges, both of the supreme and inferior Courts, shall hold their Offices during good Behaviour, and shall, at stated Times, receive for their Services, a Compensation, which shall not be diminished during their Continuance in Office."

The court was arranged to begin February 1, 1790 starting with only 6 judges. However, due to transportation issues, they joined together for the first time the following day, February 2, 1790. The first case the court heard was West v Barns, an argument between a farmer and a family he owed debt to. 

The judges that make up the Supreme Court are hosted by the President and then either confirmed or denied by the Senate. The role of chief justice is to oversee the rest of the justices and host the weekly meetings. They also have rights to assign other justices to write the majority opinion. The Chief Justice will also be present in trials for impeachment against the present or the senate. An example of this would be when Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton were moved from office. The current Chief Justice is John G. Roberts.


In 1869 congress decided on that there will be 9 justices and it has remained that way until today. Currently, the Supreme Court is made up of Associate Justice Stephen G. Breyer, Associate Justice Clarence Thomas, Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Associate Justice Samuel A. Alito. 


Throughout the years the Supreme Court has had many important cases that have changed the way our country operates. For example, the case Independent school district v Doe came to the conclusion that prayer cannot be mandated in public schools because it violates the first amendment. Another important case between Gideon vs Wainwright determined that people who cannot afford legal representation must be provided a lawyer. Roe v Wade gave women the right to abortion, and Obergefell v Hodges that legalized same sex marriage. 


The Supreme Court is composed of 9 justices who represent the United States and make decisions on the constitutionality of laws checked by the constitution. This branch of government is vital to the United States and our democracy. Without this branch of government, and the rulings they have decided on, the world we live in would not be the same. 


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