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The Supreme Court of the United States is the only court that is required by the US Constitution. Article III, Section I of the Constitution establishes the federal judiciary and 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 plays a crucial role in the constitutional system of government, serving as the court of last resort and ensuring that each branch of government recognizes its limits. It has the power to strike down laws that violate the Constitution and protect the civil rights and liberties of Americans.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Justices | 1 Chief Justice and 8 Associate Justices |
| Appointment | Appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate |
| Term | Justices typically hold office for life |
| Jurisdiction | Original jurisdiction over certain cases, e.g., suits between two or more states, cases involving ambassadors, and other public ministers |
| Jurisdiction | Appellate jurisdiction on almost any other case that involves a point of constitutional and/or federal law |
| Powers | Authority to strike down state laws found to be in violation of the Constitution |
| Powers | Ensures that each branch of government recognizes the limits of its power |
| Powers | Protects civil rights and liberties by striking down laws that violate the Constitution |
| Powers | Sets limits on democratic government to ensure that popular majorities do not pass laws that harm or take advantage of unpopular minorities |
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What You'll Learn
The Supreme Court is the highest court in the US
The Supreme Court is the highest court in the United States. Article III, Section I of the US Constitution establishes the federal judiciary, with the Supreme Court at its apex. The Constitution grants Congress the power to decide how to organise the Supreme Court, and the Judiciary Act of 1789 was the first exercise of this power, creating a Supreme Court with six justices.
The Supreme Court has original jurisdiction over certain cases, such as suits between two or more states, and cases involving ambassadors, public ministers, and consuls. It also has appellate jurisdiction over almost any other case that involves a point of constitutional or federal law. The Court's power of judicial review is significant, as it ensures that each branch of government recognises the limits of its power.
The Supreme Court plays a crucial role in protecting civil rights and liberties by striking down laws that violate the Constitution. It ensures that the majority cannot pass laws that harm or take advantage of minorities, thus safeguarding fundamental values such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and due process of law.
The Supreme Court consists of one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. They typically hold office for life, and their salaries cannot be decreased during their term. These measures protect the independence of the judiciary from political interference.
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Congress decides how to organise the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court is the only court that is required by the US Constitution. Article III, Section I of the Constitution establishes the federal judiciary and states:
> "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."
Although the Constitution establishes the Supreme Court, it permits Congress to decide how to organise it. Congress first exercised this power in the Judiciary Act of 1789, which created a Supreme Court with six justices. The Act also established the lower federal court system.
Over the years, various Acts of Congress have altered the number of seats on the Supreme Court, from a low of five to a high of 10. Shortly after the Civil War, the number of seats was fixed at nine, which remains the case today. There is one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices of the United States Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court has original jurisdiction (a case is tried before the Court) over certain cases, such as suits between two or more states and/or cases involving ambassadors and other public ministers. The Court has appellate jurisdiction (the Court can hear the case on appeal) on almost any other case that involves a point of constitutional and/or federal law. For example, this includes 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).
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Justices are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate
The Supreme Court is the only court required by the US Constitution. Article III, Section I of the Constitution establishes the federal judiciary and 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 Constitution permits Congress to decide how to organise the Supreme Court, and Congress first exercised this power in the Judiciary Act of 1789. This Act created a Supreme Court with six justices and established the lower federal court system. The number of seats on the Supreme Court has varied over the years, but since shortly after the Civil War, it has been fixed at nine, including one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices.
These justices are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. They typically hold office for life, and their salaries cannot be decreased during their term of office. These restrictions are intended to protect the independence of the judiciary from political interference. The Supreme Court plays a crucial role in ensuring that each branch of government recognises the limits of its power and that the constitutional rights of citizens are protected.
The Court has original jurisdiction over certain cases, such as suits between two or more states and cases involving ambassadors and other public ministers. It also has appellate jurisdiction over almost any other case that involves a point of constitutional or federal law. This means that the Supreme Court can hear cases on appeal from lower courts. The Court's decisions can have a profound impact on society, as it has the power to strike down laws that violate the Constitution and protect civil rights and liberties.
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The Supreme Court has original and appellate jurisdiction
The Supreme Court is the only court that the US Constitution establishes. Article III, Section I of the Constitution states:
> "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."
Article III, Section II of the Constitution establishes the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. The Court has original jurisdiction over certain cases, such as suits between two or more states and cases involving ambassadors, other public ministers, and consuls. This means that these cases are tried before the Court in the first instance.
The Supreme Court also has appellate jurisdiction, which means that it can hear cases on appeal. This applies to almost any case that involves a point of constitutional or federal law. The Court's appellate jurisdiction also extends to cases involving the interpretation of federal statutes or treaties, as well as cases where the United States is a party.
The Supreme Court's power of judicial review is significant, as it allows the Court to strike down laws that violate the Constitution and protect civil rights and liberties. This ensures that the government operates within the limits set by the Constitution and that the rights guaranteed by the Constitution are protected.
The decisions of the Supreme Court have a profound impact on society, as they can shape the interpretation of the Constitution and set precedents that lower courts must follow. The Court's rulings can also influence public policy and the resolution of disputes between states or between a state and the federal government.
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The Supreme Court protects civil rights and liberties
The Supreme Court is the only court established by the U.S. Constitution. 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 plays a crucial role in protecting civil rights and liberties. Here are some ways in which it does so:
Striking Down Unconstitutional Laws
The Supreme Court has the power to strike down laws that violate the Constitution. This ensures that any laws passed by the government adhere to the fundamental rights and liberties guaranteed to all Americans. For example, in the case of Miranda v. Arizona in 1966, the Supreme Court ruled that interrogating officers must inform suspects of their right to have an attorney present during questioning, upholding the Fifth Amendment's protection against self-incrimination.
Defending Individual Rights
From the mid-20th to the early 21st centuries, the Supreme Court used the Constitution to defend individual rights and liberties. For instance, in the 1950s and 1960s, the Court's rulings contributed to significant advances in civil rights, women's rights, gay rights, and the rights of criminal defendants, protesters, and the press.
Ensuring Checks and Balances
As the highest court in the land, the Supreme Court ensures that each branch of the government recognizes its limits. Through its power of judicial review, the Court can declare a Legislative or Executive act unconstitutional, thus protecting civil rights and liberties from potential overreach by other branches of government.
Safeguarding Minorities
The Supreme Court sets limits on democratic government by preventing popular majorities from passing laws that harm or take advantage of unpopular minorities. This ensures that the changing views of the majority do not undermine fundamental values such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and due process of law.
Educating Citizens on Their Rights
The Supreme Court's rulings have a significant impact on society, shaping how Americans understand and protect their rights. By knowing their rights, citizens can better defend them when they are threatened. Landmark cases such as Tinker v. Des Moines Independent School District (1969), which upheld students' right to free speech, have empowered citizens to exercise their civil liberties.
In summary, the Supreme Court, established by the Constitution, plays a vital role in safeguarding civil rights and liberties. Through its rulings, the Court interprets and enforces the rights guaranteed to all Americans, ensuring that these rights are respected and protected across the nation.
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Frequently asked questions
The US Constitution establishes the Supreme Court as the only court that is required.
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 is the highest court in the US and acts as the court of last resort for those seeking justice. It also has the power of judicial review, ensuring that each branch of government recognises its own power limits.
There is currently one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices of the Supreme Court. The Justices are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, typically holding office for life.
The Supreme Court has original jurisdiction over certain cases, such as suits between states or cases involving ambassadors. It also has appellate jurisdiction on almost any other case involving constitutional or federal law.
