History and Workings of the U.S. Supreme Court

History and Workings of the U.S. Supreme Court

I have some background on the Supreme Court from history classes I have taken throughout my time in school. To start with a brief overview,  the Supreme Court was established in the Judiciary Act of 1789. The Supreme Court currently comprises nine justices. When it originated there were six justices. The Supreme Court is the most powerful judicial body on earth. Justices serve for an average of 16 years. The Supreme Court receives about 7,000 cases a week. Then, the justices meet weekly to decide which cases they will accept. 

The most important information that I will be taking away from the video is that by the time cases arrive at the Supreme Court the facts of the case have been established in trial court. It is the Supreme Court's role to consider the legal questions. Such as, "Did the lower court apply the law correctly?" The Supreme Court hears cases in public and lawyers are allowed thirty minutes to make their arguments before the court. 

Within a few days after hearing the cases, the justices gather in the conference room to vote on the case. The nine justices are alone in the room. This video allowed me to learn that after the justices vote on the case one of the justices on the majority side is designed to write an opinion explaining the legal reasons for the decision. This showcases that the justices don't always agree on everything about a case. The opinions of the court are typically announced by the end of the term in late June. 

The present Supreme Court Justices

I found it surprising and clever that each justice shake's the other justice's hands before they go into the conference room or onto the bench. The reasoning behind this is that when they touch the other justice's hand you are less likely to hold a grudge if they disagree about something. 

Watching this video changed the way I think of the Supreme Court by reassuring me of its importance and how it is in place for the people. The founders put so much thought into the creation of our political system. Through the Supreme Court, the American people are guaranteed equal justice under the law. 

I have added some interesting facts about the Supreme Court below! Find the website here for more details. 

- The youngest Supreme Court justice was just 32 years old

- Justices make over $200,000 a Year and Are (Almost) All Millionaires