The Founding Era

The History and Workings of the U.S Supreme Court

Comm3390 Supreme Court Short Film as referenced in the text
Part One [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWRoXYRsaeo&feature=youtu.be]
Part Two [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ca8qSuWxcG8&feature=youtu.be]

The U.S supreme court is made up of members who are trained in law but deal with the human dilemmas. Many think of these individuals as blank faces when in reality they have lives and families of their own. The court is made up of individuals whom are elected by either the president or senate, and are therefore respected by the public. In some countries, the state can do anything to you and you are simply under their authority. However, in 1803 it was presented that the court had the power to review all actions by all departments of government and deem them constitutional or not. This gave the supreme court dominance over even people like the president, as they were able to overview what they have said or does, and have the option to object it. Some of the members of the Supreme court have found this power to be daunting, and in the Comm3390 Supreme Court short film, a member stating that, "being appointed to the supreme court is akin to being struck by lightning." (Part One, 3:24) Many say it takes a few years of work to get used to the position, and the controversy that comes with it.

During the following years, the Supreme court earned its respect from the public as "a co-equal branch of the government." (Part One, 5:13) Post civil war, the constitution then went on to "abolish slavery, define citizenship, and grant voting rights." (Part One, 6:01). Today's court uses the constitution to still solve the human dilemmas that face the country. Considering "the supreme court receives more than a hundred new cases every week, about 7000 a year," (Part One, 8:31) the court accepts very few of these and often has to read over strenuous documents and case studies. The court then meets weekly to discuss which cases they will accept and vote on the results. The public react willingly to these decisions as "when the supreme court speaks, by and large, people obey and that unspoken contract is one of the hidden keys to our freedom." (Part Two, 8:37) Overall, I believe that the supreme court consistently looks out for none other than the best interests of the public and their country, ensuring that the constitution remains abided by and the people's freedoms are met.