Jonah Patel
The Constitution of the United States establishes the federal judiciary and outlines the structure and function of the judicial branch, which includes the Supreme Court and inferior courts ordained by Congress. Article III, Section I of the Constitution states 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. This separation of powers ensures the Supreme Court's independence from the legislature (Congress) and the executive (the President). The Supreme Court, as the highest court in the land, serves as the court of last resort and plays a crucial role in safeguarding civil rights and liberties by ensuring that all branches of government abide by the limits of their power as outlined in the Constitution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Supreme Court justices | Six (originally), nine (now) |
| Judicial power | Vested in one Supreme Court and in inferior courts as ordained and established by Congress |
| Jurisdiction | Original and appellate |
| Judges | Appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate |
| Judges | Hold office during good behaviour and receive compensation that cannot be diminished during their continuance in office |
| Federal court system | Three-level system including trial courts, courts of appeals, and the Supreme Court |
| Federal judiciary | Established by the Judiciary Act of 1789 |
| Judicial review | Power to declare acts of Congress unconstitutional if they violate the Constitution |
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What You'll Learn
The Supreme Court is the highest court in the land
The Constitution of the United States establishes the federal judiciary system, with Article III, Section I stating:
> "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."
This means that the Supreme Court is the highest court in the land, with the power to interpret the Constitution and ensure that the laws passed by Congress are constitutional. The Supreme Court is the final arbiter of matters of federal law that come before it, and its decisions cannot be overruled.
The Supreme Court's power of judicial review is its most well-known power. This power allows the Court to declare a Legislative or Executive act in violation of the Constitution, even though this power is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution. The Court's interpretation of the laws passed by Congress ensures their constitutionality and applicability in legal disputes.
The Supreme Court also plays a crucial role in safeguarding civil rights and liberties by striking down laws that violate the Constitution. It acts as a check on the powers of the other branches of government, ensuring that they do not exceed their authority. The Court also ensures that the majority's changing views do not undermine the fundamental values shared by all Americans, such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and due process of law.
The Supreme Court's decisions have far-reaching implications for society, and it serves as the court of last resort for those seeking justice.
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Congress can impeach and remove federal judges
Article III of the US Constitution establishes the federal judiciary, vesting judicial power in a Supreme Court and such "inferior" courts as Congress may choose to establish. This gives Congress the power to decide how to organise the Supreme Court and to create lower federal courts as necessary.
Congress has the power to impeach and remove federal judges, including Supreme Court justices, for misconduct, abuse of power, or criminal misconduct. This ensures accountability within the judiciary. The impeachment power is primarily held by the House of Representatives, which can impeach a judge with a simple majority vote, and the Senate, which holds a trial to determine whether removal is appropriate. A judge may only be removed from office following a trial and a vote to convict by a two-thirds majority of the Senate.
In the history of the United States, there have been several cases of federal judges being impeached and removed from office. For example, in 1913, George Washington English of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Illinois was convicted and removed from office. In 1936, Halsted Lockwood Ritter of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida was also convicted and removed for favoritism in the appointment of bankruptcy receivers and practicing law while sitting as a judge. More recently, in 1989, the sixth federal judge in US history was removed from office by the Senate for bribery and perjury.
While impeachment is a legitimate process to hold judges accountable, it should not be used to punish judges for their rulings or for partisan reasons. Chief Justice John Roberts emphasised this point, stating that "impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision."
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The Supreme Court has the power of judicial review
The Constitution establishes the federal judiciary and outlines the structure and function of the judicial branch, which includes the Supreme Court. Article III, Section I of the Constitution states 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, as the highest court in the land, is the court of last resort for those seeking justice. It has the power of judicial review, which means it can declare a Legislative or Executive act in violation of the Constitution. This power was established in the landmark case of Marbury v. Madison in 1803. The Supreme Court's ability to conduct judicial reviews ensures that each branch of government recognizes its limits and protects civil rights and liberties by striking down laws that violate the Constitution.
The Supreme Court's power of judicial review extends to all cases in law and equity arising under the Constitution, laws of the United States, and treaties made under their authority. It has original jurisdiction in cases affecting ambassadors, other public ministers, and consuls, as well as those in which a state is a party. In all other cases, the Supreme Court has appellate jurisdiction, with a few exceptions.
The Supreme Court plays a crucial role in maintaining the independence of the judiciary and ensuring that the federal government's power is not excessive. The Court's decisions have a significant impact on society, as they interpret the Constitution and shape the nation's laws and policies.
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The Supreme Court protects civil rights and liberties
Article III of the US Constitution establishes the federal judiciary, vesting the judicial power of the US in a Supreme Court and such inferior courts as Congress may from time to time ordain and establish. The Constitution permits Congress to decide how to organise the Supreme Court, and Congress first exercised this power in the Judiciary Act of 1789, creating a Supreme Court with six justices and establishing the lower federal court system.
The Supreme Court plays a crucial role in protecting civil rights and liberties. As the highest court in the US, it is the court of last resort for those seeking justice. Its power of judicial review ensures that each branch of government recognises its limits and that popular majorities cannot pass laws that harm or take advantage of unpopular minorities.
The Supreme Court's rulings have driven significant social change and advanced civil rights, women's rights, gay rights, and the rights of criminal defendants, protesters, and the press. For example, in Miranda v. Arizona (1966), the Supreme Court considered four separate cases where defendants confessed to crimes after being interrogated by police without being informed of their right to an attorney. The Court ruled that the interrogation had violated the Fifth Amendment's protection against self-incrimination.
However, the Supreme Court has also faced criticism for some of its rulings. In Lawrence v. Texas (2003), the Court upheld the constitutionality of Georgia's "Homosexual Conduct" law, citing the long history of moral, legal, and social condemnation of same-sex relationships. This ruling shocked civil rights and civil liberties advocates, who argued that the Court placed the state's interest in regulating moral conduct over individual privacy rights.
The Supreme Court's role in protecting civil rights and liberties is essential for maintaining the fundamental values common to all Americans, such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and due process of law.
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The Supreme Court upholds democratic values
Article III of the US Constitution establishes the federal judiciary, with the first section creating the US Supreme Court as the federal system's highest court. The Constitution specifies 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 plays a crucial role in upholding democratic values in several ways. Firstly, as the highest court in the land, it serves as the court of last resort for those seeking justice. This ensures that individuals have access to the highest level of judicial review and protection of their rights.
Secondly, the Supreme Court's power of judicial review is essential for maintaining the balance of power between the different branches of government. Through judicial review, established in the landmark case of Marbury v. Madison (1803), the Court can declare acts of Congress or the Executive branch unconstitutional if they violate the Constitution. This power ensures that each branch of government respects the limits of its authority and prevents the accumulation of excessive power by any single branch, thus safeguarding democratic principles and the rule of law.
Thirdly, the Supreme Court protects civil rights and liberties by striking down laws that are found to be in violation of the Constitution. This includes safeguarding fundamental values such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and due process of law, ensuring that they are not undermined by the changing views of the majority.
Additionally, the Supreme Court sets limits on democratic government by preventing the passage of laws that may harm or take advantage of unpopular minorities. This role was exemplified in the case of Youngstown Sheet & Tool Company v. Sawyer (1952), where the Court ruled against President Truman, concluding that he lacked the authority to seize steel mills and that his actions violated the separation of powers.
In summary, the Supreme Court's role in upholding democratic values is multi-faceted. Through its power of judicial review, protection of civil liberties, and enforcement of limits on legislative and executive powers, the Court ensures that the US democratic system functions within the framework established by the Constitution.
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Frequently asked questions
Article III of the Constitution establishes the federal judiciary, vesting the judicial power of the United States in a Supreme Court and such inferior courts as Congress chooses to create. The Supreme Court is the highest court in the land and has original jurisdiction in cases affecting ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls, and those in which a state is a party. In all other cases, the Supreme Court has appellate jurisdiction.
The judiciary interprets laws passed by Congress and decides certain cases and resolves certain controversies in a neutral and objective way. The Supreme Court also has the power of judicial review, meaning it can declare acts of Congress unconstitutional if they violate the Constitution.
The judiciary is independent of the other branches of government and is designed to be a check on their power. The Supreme Court, as the court of last resort, ensures that each branch of government recognises the limits of its power and protects civil rights and liberties.
