Simone Lawson
The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) is the highest court in the federal judiciary of the United States. It has ultimate appellate jurisdiction over all U.S. federal court cases, and over state court cases that turn on questions of U.S. constitutional or federal law. The constitutional powers of the Supreme Court include the power to hear cases stemming from an issue of federal law, cases in which the parties are citizens of different states, and lawsuits between state governments, among others. The Court also has original jurisdiction over a narrow range of cases, including those affecting ambassadors, other public ministers, and consuls. The Supreme Court's most well-known power is judicial review, or the ability to declare a Legislative or Executive act in violation of the Constitution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Highest court in the federal judiciary of the United States | The Supreme Court is the highest court in the land, serving as the court of last resort for those seeking justice. |
| Appellate jurisdiction | The Court can hear appeals from lower courts in cases involving constitutional and/or federal law, including treaties, admiralty cases, and cases where the United States is a party. |
| Original jurisdiction | The Court has original jurisdiction over a narrow range of cases, including those affecting ambassadors, public ministers, and consuls, and those in which a state is a party. |
| Judicial review | The Court has the power of judicial review, or the ability to declare a legislative or executive act in violation of the Constitution. This power is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution but was established in the landmark case Marbury v. Madison in 1803. |
| Checks and balances | The Court provides checks and balances on the legislative and executive branches through its power of judicial review, ensuring that each branch recognizes its limits. |
| Protection of civil rights and liberties | The Court protects civil rights and liberties by striking down laws that violate the Constitution, ensuring that popular majorities cannot pass laws that harm or take advantage of unpopular minorities. |
| Appointment of justices | The President nominates and appoints justices of the Supreme Court with the confirmation of the United States Senate. There are no specific qualifications for service as a justice mentioned in the Constitution. |
| Number of justices | The Supreme Court currently consists of one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices, although this number has varied over time. |
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What You'll Learn
The Supreme Court's power of judicial review
The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) is the highest court in the federal judiciary of the United States. It has ultimate appellate jurisdiction over all U.S. federal court cases, and over state court cases that turn on questions of U.S. constitutional or federal law. The Supreme Court's power of judicial review is its most well-known power. Judicial review is the ability of the Court to declare a Legislative or Executive act in violation of the Constitution. This power is not explicitly mentioned in the text of the Constitution.
In 1803, the Court asserted its power of judicial review through the landmark case of Marbury v. Madison. The Court ruled that it had the power to invalidate a statute for violating a provision of the Constitution. This case also established the Court as the supreme expositor of the Constitution. The Marshall Court (1801-1835) made several important constitutional rulings that shaped the balance of power between the federal government and the states.
The power of judicial review is an essential tool for the Supreme Court to ensure that each branch of government recognizes the limits of its power. It also protects civil rights and liberties by striking down laws that violate the Constitution. The Court's decisions have a significant impact on society, influencing how the law affects Americans' freedoms and governance.
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The Supreme Court's role as the highest court in the land
The Supreme Court is the highest court in the land, and as such, it holds several important roles and responsibilities. Firstly, it serves as the court of last resort for those seeking justice, providing a crucial avenue for individuals to have their cases heard and resolved. This aspect is particularly significant as it offers a sense of finality and closure to legal disputes, ensuring that justice is served.
Secondly, the Supreme Court plays a pivotal role in maintaining a balance of power among the branches of government. Through its power of judicial review, the Court ensures that each branch, including the executive and legislative branches, operates within its designated authority. This power allows the Court to declare legislative or executive acts unconstitutional, thereby safeguarding against potential abuses of power and upholding the principles of separation of powers.
Additionally, the Supreme Court acts as a guardian of civil rights and liberties. By scrutinizing laws and determining their constitutionality, the Court can strike down those that violate the fundamental rights and freedoms enshrined in the Constitution. This function is essential in preserving the rights of individuals and minority groups, preventing the majority from enacting laws that infringe on the liberties of others.
The Supreme Court also holds appellate jurisdiction over a wide range of cases, including those involving constitutional, federal, and admiralty law, as well as disputes between states or between citizens of different states. This jurisdiction allows the Court to review decisions made by lower courts and ensure the consistent and accurate interpretation and application of the law across the nation.
Moreover, the Supreme Court possesses original jurisdiction in specific scenarios, such as cases involving foreign diplomats and public ministers, where it can issue legal orders (writs of mandamus) to compel government officials to act in accordance with the law. This authority ensures that the actions of government officials align with their legal obligations.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court, as the highest court in the land, holds significant power and responsibility. Its role extends beyond merely interpreting and applying the law; it shapes the legal landscape, safeguards civil liberties, and ensures that the principles of democracy and the separation of powers are upheld. The Court's decisions have a profound impact on the lives of Americans, influencing their freedoms and how they are governed.
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The Supreme Court's original jurisdiction
The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) is the highest court in the federal judiciary of the United States. Article III of the Constitution establishes the federal judiciary, with Article III, Section I stating that "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 Supreme Court has original jurisdiction over a narrow range of cases, specifically "all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, and those in which a State shall be Party." This means that these cases are tried directly before the Court, without being first heard in a lower court. The Judiciary Act of 1789 gave the Supreme Court original jurisdiction to issue writs of mandamus (legal orders compelling government officials to act in accordance with the law).
In addition to its original jurisdiction, the Supreme Court also has appellate jurisdiction, which is the power to hear cases on appeal. The Court can exercise this jurisdiction in almost any case involving a point of constitutional or federal law. The Certiorari Act of 1925 gives the Court the discretion to decide whether or not to hear a case on appeal.
The Supreme Court's constitutional powers, including its original and appellate jurisdictions, play a crucial role in the US constitutional system of government. The Court serves as the final arbiter of justice, ensuring that each branch of government recognizes its limits and protecting the civil rights and liberties of Americans.
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The Supreme Court's appellate jurisdiction
The Supreme Court is the highest court in the federal judiciary of the United States. It has ultimate appellate jurisdiction over all U.S. federal court cases and state court cases that turn on questions of U.S. constitutional or federal law.
The Court's appellate jurisdiction extends to a wide range of cases, including those that involve a point of constitutional or federal law. For example, the Court can hear cases to which the United States is a party, cases involving treaties, and cases involving ships on the high seas and navigable waterways (admiralty cases). The Court also has jurisdiction over cases affecting foreign diplomats and cases between states, which are tried directly before the Court without being first heard in a lower court.
In exercising its appellate jurisdiction, the Court has the discretion to decide whether or not to hear a case. The Certiorari Act of 1925 gives the Court this discretion, and the Court agrees to hear about 100-150 of the more than 7,000 cases it is asked to review each year.
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The Supreme Court's ability to strike down laws that violate the Constitution
The Supreme Court is the highest court in the federal judiciary of the United States. It has ultimate appellate jurisdiction over all U.S. federal court cases and state court cases that involve questions of U.S. constitutional or federal law.
The Supreme Court has used judicial review to strike down state laws found to be in violation of the Constitution. For example, in the case of Martin v. Hunter's Lessee, the Court established its power of judicial review over acts of Congress and shaped the balance of power between the federal government and the states. The Court has also struck down presidential directives for violating either the Constitution or statutory law.
While the Supreme Court has vast power and its rulings have a significant impact on American society, it is subject to checks and balances. The elected branches of government, Congress, and the President can pass laws and remedy the Court's rulings. Additionally, the Court's decisions are subject to public scrutiny and can be influenced by changing societal values.
In recent years, the Supreme Court has made controversial rulings on abortion rights, gun control, partisan gerrymandering, and voting rights, leading to debates about the Court's membership and the need for restrictions on its power.
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Frequently asked questions
The Supreme Court is the highest court in the federal judiciary of the United States. It has ultimate appellate jurisdiction over all U.S. federal court cases, and over state court cases that turn on questions of U.S. constitutional or federal law.
The Supreme Court has the power to hear cases involving federal law, cases where citizens of different states are parties, and lawsuits between state governments. The Court also has original jurisdiction over cases affecting foreign diplomats and cases between states. The Court can declare a Legislative or Executive act in violation of the Constitution and can strike down laws that violate the Constitution.
There is one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices of the United States Supreme Court.
The President nominates justices of the Supreme Court and, with the confirmation of the United States Senate, appoints them. The Senate possesses the plenary power to reject or confirm the nominee.
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