Supreme Court Reflection

Talking About Freedom: Supreme Court 

The Supreme Court of the United States is the most powerful judicial body in the country. Its authority is rooted not in force, but in public trust and the enduring relevance of the Constitution, which it interprets to uphold justice. Over 200 years ago, John Marshall, a lawyer from Virginia, was appointed Chief Justice. Under his leadership, the Court established its power by striking down an act of Congress as unconstitutional, setting a precedent for judicial review. This decision helped define the balance between the three branches of government. At one point, Congress claimed it had no power to end slavery, but the Civil War and subsequent constitutional amendments overturned that stance. These amendments granted formerly enslaved people citizenship and voting rights, reshaping the meaning of freedom in America.

The Supreme Court of the United States

One of the earliest and most influential Chief Justices was John Marshall, a lawyer from Virginia. Under his leadership, the Court established the principle of judicial review by striking down an act of Congress as unconstitutional, helping define the balance of power between the branches of government. However, the Court's decisions haven’t always strengthened the government’s image. The infamous Dred Scott v. Sandford decision in 1857 ruled that African Americans, whether enslaved or free, could not be American citizens and that Congress had no authority to prohibit slavery in U.S. territories. This ruling made Congress appear weak and deeply divided the nation, pushing it closer to civil war. Today, each Supreme Court Justice is supported by a team of law clerks. The Justices meet weekly to discuss and vote on cases. After a decision is made, the Justices on the losing side often write a dissenting opinion, which provides a counterpoint and deeper insight into the case.

All disclosure: After taking notes while watching the Supreme Court video, I used Microsoft Co pilot to smooth the text and format it in a readable way. I then edited the AI-Generated text. I added photos and captions, then I expanded on the writing with my own personal thoughts and opinions.