20.1.1 The US Constitution.

The U.S. Supreme Court: Role and Constitutional Foundations

The United States Supreme Court is the highest judicial authority in the country and serves as the final arbiter of legal disputes. It plays a critical role in interpreting the Constitution and ensuring that laws and executive actions align with the nation's fundamental principles. The Court's decisions have far-reaching implications, influencing American society, politics, and governance.

Key Features:

• Judicial Review: One of the most important powers of the Supreme Court is judicial review. This allows the Court to interpret the Constitution and assess whether laws and executive actions are consistent with constitutional provisions. Through this process, the Court can uphold the supremacy of the Constitution, ensuring that all laws and actions conform to its principles.
• Legal Precedents: The Supreme Court's rulings create legal precedents that lower courts are obliged to follow. These precedents shape the interpretation and application of laws nationwide, influencing future judicial decisions and legal interpretations.
• Protection of Rights and Liberties: The Court plays a crucial role in protecting the rights, liberties, and principles enshrined in the Constitution. It safeguards individual rights against government overreach and ensures that all citizens are treated fairly under the law.
• Check on Executive and Legislative Power: The Supreme Court acts as a check on the powers of the executive and legislative branches. It can invalidate laws and actions that exceed constitutional limits, thus maintaining the balance of power among the branches of government.

What Does the Constitution Say About the Supreme Court?

The U.S. Constitution provides the framework for the Supreme Court's role and powers, though it leaves much of the detail to be filled in by subsequent laws and judicial interpretation.

• Article III of the Constitution: Establishes the judiciary as a separate and coequal branch of government alongside the executive and legislative branches. It grants judicial power to the Supreme Court and any inferior courts that Congress may establish.
• Section 1: States that the judicial power of the United States shall be vested in one Supreme Court and in such inferior courts as Congress may from time to time ordain and establish. It also guarantees the independence of the judiciary by providing that judges shall hold their offices during good behavior, meaning they can serve for life unless they are impeached and removed.
• Section 2: Defines the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. The Court has original jurisdiction in cases affecting ambassadors, public ministers, consuls, and those in which a state is a party. In all other cases, the Court has appellate jurisdiction, meaning it reviews the decisions of lower courts. This section also ensures that the judicial power extends to all cases arising under the Constitution, laws, and treaties of the United States.
• Judicial Independence: The Constitution safeguards judicial independence by ensuring that judges' salaries cannot be diminished during their time in office. This provision helps protect judges from political pressures and ensures they can make decisions based solely on the law.
• Implied Powers: While the Constitution explicitly outlines certain powers of the Supreme Court, many of its most significant powers, such as judicial review, are implied. The power of judicial review was established through the landmark case Marbury v. Madison (1803), where the Court asserted its authority to strike down laws it deemed unconstitutional.

Original Jurisdiction of the U.S. Supreme Court

Definition and Scope:

• Public Ministers and Ambassadors: Cases affecting ambassadors, other public ministers, and consuls.
• Disputes Between Two or More States: Cases where the Supreme Court acts as the first and only forum for disputes between states.
• Citizens of Different States: In some rare instances, cases involving disputes between citizens of different states.

Importance and Usage:

The Supreme Court's exercise of original jurisdiction is quite rare. Over the course of its history, SCOTUS has heard fewer than 200 cases under its original jurisdiction. Most cases the Supreme Court hears come through its appellate jurisdiction, where the Court reviews decisions made by lower courts.

Notable Example:

The power of Congress in relation to Court rulings:

Congress can attempt to override or circumvent a Supreme Court ruling: by amending the Constitution. However, this process is extremely challenging and rarely successful. The difficulty lies in the rigorous requirements for amending the Constitution, which necessitates significant support both at the federal and state levels.

Key Points:

• Limited Success of Amendments: The U.S. Constitution has only been amended 27 times since its inception in 1789. This underscores the rarity and difficulty of successfully amending the Constitution, making it a challenging path for Congress to use as a way to circumvent Supreme Court rulings.

Role of the Supreme Court in the U.S. Legal System

The Supreme Court's role is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the U.S. legal and political system. By interpreting the Constitution, setting legal precedents, and acting as a check on the other branches of government, the Court ensures that the rule of law prevails and that the Constitution remains the supreme law of the land. This role makes the Supreme Court a key player in shaping U.S. law and protecting the rights and freedoms of American citizens.

These features collectively make the Supreme Court not only a judicial body but also a vital institution for ensuring that the principles of the Constitution are upheld across the nation. Its decisions resonate far beyond the courtroom, influencing every aspect of American life and governance.