Malcolm Rivera
The US Supreme Court is the highest court in the country, with the power to hear and decide on cases involving constitutional issues. It has original jurisdiction over certain cases, such as suits between states or cases involving ambassadors, and appellate jurisdiction over almost any other case involving constitutional or federal law. The Supreme Court plays a crucial role in ensuring that each branch of government respects its limits and protects civil rights and liberties by striking down laws that violate the Constitution. While the Supreme Court can decide on matters of constitutionality and federal law, it does not decide on guilt or innocence in criminal cases. Instead, criminal cases are typically decided by a jury, who determine guilt or innocence based on the evidence and arguments presented by the prosecution and defence.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the court | Supreme Court |
| Location | United States |
| Type of court | Federal court |
| Court's authority | Jurisdiction over certain cases, e.g. suits between states, cases involving ambassadors, and other public ministers |
| Court's power | Judicial review, i.e., the ability to declare a Legislative or Executive act in violation of the Constitution |
| Court's role | Ensures that each branch of government recognizes the limits of its power, protects civil rights and liberties, and sets appropriate limits on democratic government |
| Decision-making process | Justices accept legal briefs, hear oral arguments, hold private conferences, and issue the Court's opinion |
| Right to a fair trial | Guaranteed by Article III of the U.S. Constitution for every person accused of wrongdoing |
| Additional protections | Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendments provide protections such as due process, protection against double jeopardy, and more |
| Trial procedure | Cases are decided by a judge if jury trial is waived, otherwise decided and damages awarded by a jury |
| Appeals | Cases can be appealed to a higher court, such as a federal court of appeals or state appellate court |
| Appellate jurisdiction | Power to review, uphold, or overturn decisions made by other lower courts |
| Bail | Determined by a judge, but the Constitution requires it to be reasonable and appropriate to the crime |
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What You'll Learn
The US Supreme Court is the highest court in the country
The Supreme Court has nine justices: one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices. The President nominates these justices, but their appointments must be confirmed by the Senate.
The Supreme Court has original jurisdiction over certain cases, such as suits between two or more states or cases involving ambassadors. It also has appellate jurisdiction, allowing it to hear cases on appeal that involve constitutional or federal law. The Certiorari Act of 1925 gives the Court the discretion to decide whether to hear a case when exercising its appellate jurisdiction.
The Court's most well-known power is judicial review, which is the ability to declare a Legislative or Executive act in violation of the Constitution. This power was established in the Marbury v. Madison case in 1803. Through judicial review, the Court 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 decisions have a significant impact on society, influencing not just lawyers and judges but also the general public, including students. The Court's rulings can shape the interpretation and application of constitutional rights, such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and due process of law.
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The Supreme Court has original and appellate jurisdiction
The Supreme Court is the highest court in the United States. Article III, Section I of the Constitution establishes the federal judiciary, vesting "the judicial Power of the United States" in a single supreme court. The Constitution also permits Congress to decide how to organise the Supreme Court, and it has done so through various acts over the years, altering the number of seats on the Court.
Article III, Section II of the Constitution establishes the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, which refers to its legal ability to hear a case. The Court has original jurisdiction over certain cases, meaning the case is tried before the Court for the first time. This includes suits between two or more states and cases involving ambassadors and other public ministers.
The Supreme Court also has appellate jurisdiction, which means it can hear cases on appeal from lower courts. The Court can exercise appellate jurisdiction on almost any case involving a point of constitutional or federal law. For example, this includes cases where the United States is a party, cases involving treaties, and cases involving ships on the high seas (admiralty cases). When exercising its appellate jurisdiction, the Court has the discretion to decide whether or not to hear a case, and it does not have to review new evidence.
The Supreme Court's power of judicial review is significant, as it allows the Court to declare a Legislative or Executive act in violation of the Constitution. This power was established in the case of Marbury v. Madison in 1803, where the Court decided that an Act of Congress contrary to the Constitution could not stand. The Court's decisions have a profound impact on society, ensuring that the changing views of a majority do not undermine fundamental values such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and due process of law.
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The Supreme Court can declare acts in violation of the Constitution
The Supreme Court is the highest court in the United States, established by Article III, Section I of the Constitution, which 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."
Congress first exercised its power to organise the Supreme Court in the Judiciary Act of 1789, which created a Supreme Court with six justices. The number of seats on the Supreme Court has varied over the years, but since shortly after the Civil War, there has been one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices.
The Supreme Court has original jurisdiction over certain cases, such as suits between two or more states or cases involving ambassadors. It also has appellate jurisdiction, allowing it to hear cases on appeal that involve constitutional or federal law. In exercising its appellate jurisdiction, the Supreme Court has the discretion to decide whether or not to hear a case.
One of the most well-known powers of the Supreme Court is its ability to conduct judicial review, or to declare a Legislative or Executive act in violation of the Constitution. This power was established in the case of Marbury v. Madison in 1803, where the Court decided that an Act of Congress contrary to the Constitution could not stand. Since then, the Supreme Court has used its judicial review power to strike down state laws and acts of Congress that violate the Constitution, protecting civil rights and liberties and ensuring that the majority cannot pass laws that harm or take advantage of minorities.
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The Supreme Court protects civil rights and liberties
The Supreme Court is the highest court in the United States, and it plays a crucial role in protecting civil rights and liberties. The Court's power of judicial review allows it to strike down laws that violate the Constitution, ensuring that the government's actions align with the nation's fundamental values.
The Supreme Court's decisions have a profound impact on society, influencing not just legal professionals but also everyday Americans. One of the Court's essential roles is safeguarding civil rights and liberties by interpreting and applying the Constitution's protections. Through its rulings, the Court has driven significant social change and advanced civil rights, including women's rights, gay rights, and the rights of criminal defendants, protesters, and the press.
A notable example of the Supreme Court's role in protecting civil rights is the case of Miranda v. Arizona in 1966. In this landmark case, the Court ruled that Ernesto Miranda's confession was inadmissible because he had not been informed of his right to counsel during police interrogation. This decision upheld the Fifth Amendment's protection against self-incrimination, setting a precedent for similar cases and ensuring that individuals' rights were protected during the criminal justice process.
The Supreme Court also ensures that the majority's changing views do not undermine fundamental values such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and due process of law. By setting limits on democratic government, the Court prevents popular majorities from passing laws that harm or take advantage of unpopular minorities. This function of the Court is vital in maintaining a balance between majority rule and protecting the rights of all citizens, regardless of their popularity or representation.
Additionally, the Supreme Court has original jurisdiction in certain cases, such as suits between states or cases involving ambassadors. It also has appellate jurisdiction, allowing it to hear appeals on cases involving constitutional or federal law. The Certiorari Act of 1925 grants the Court discretion in deciding whether to hear a case within its appellate jurisdiction.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court plays a pivotal role in safeguarding civil rights and liberties in the United States. Through its interpretation and application of the Constitution, the Court ensures that the government respects the fundamental rights and freedoms of all Americans. By striking down unconstitutional laws and setting limits on democratic rule, the Supreme Court acts as a guardian of civil liberties and a cornerstone of the nation's constitutional system of government.
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The Supreme Court ensures the government recognises its limits
The Supreme Court is the highest court in the United States. It was established by Article III of the Constitution, which vests "the judicial power of the United States" in the Supreme Court. The Constitution also stipulates the Supreme Court's original and appellate jurisdiction.
The Supreme Court's best-known power is 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 by the Court in the case of Marbury v. Madison (1803). The Court's power of judicial review plays a crucial role in ensuring that each branch of the government recognises its limits.
The Supreme Court also protects civil rights and liberties by striking down laws that violate the Constitution. It sets limits on democratic governments by ensuring that the majority cannot pass laws that harm or take advantage of minorities. The Court's decisions have a significant impact on society, influencing fundamental values such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and due process of law.
The Supreme Court has original jurisdiction over certain cases, such as suits between states or cases involving ambassadors. It has appellate jurisdiction over almost any other case involving constitutional or federal law. When exercising its appellate jurisdiction, the Court has the discretion to decide whether or not to hear a case.
The Supreme Court usually hears oral arguments from the parties involved, who present their arguments and answer questions from the Justices. The Justices then hold private conferences, make their decision, and issue the Court's opinion, along with any dissenting arguments. This process ensures that the Court thoroughly deliberates on the constitutional issues at hand and delivers well-considered rulings.
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Frequently asked questions
The Supreme Court is the highest court in the United States. It has the power of judicial review, which allows it to declare a Legislative or Executive act in violation of the Constitution.
The Supreme Court consists of nine justices: one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices.
The Supreme Court has original jurisdiction over certain cases, such as suits between two or more states, and appellate jurisdiction over almost any other case that involves a point of constitutional or federal law.
The Supreme Court protects civil rights and liberties by striking down laws that violate the Constitution and ensuring that popular majorities cannot pass laws that harm or take undue advantage of unpopular minorities.
Federal habeas review of the claims is typically barred unless the prisoner can demonstrate cause for the default and actual prejudice as a result of the alleged violation of federal law or show that failing to consider the claims will result in a fundamental miscarriage of justice.
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