History of the Supreme court

The Supreme Court is the highest in the United States and plays a critical role in interpreting the Constitution and shaping the nation’s laws. Its power to declare laws unconstitutional began with the landmark case Marbury v. Madison, led by Chief Justice John Marshall. This case established the Court as a powerful branch of government, capable of checking the other branches and ensuring that laws follow the Constitution.

One of the most infamous decisions made by the Court was in Dred Scott v. Sandford. In this 1857 ruling, the Court decided that Congress did not have the power to ban slavery and declared that black people could not be citizens. This decision deeply damaged the Court’s reputation and was later overturned after the Civil War.

After the Civil War, important changes came through the 14th Amendment. This amendment abolished slavery and granted citizenship and equal protection under the law to all people born or naturalized in the United States. It is often called a “Second Bill of Rights” because it protects people from abuses by state governments.

The justices on the Supreme Court have different judicial philosophies. Some believe the Constitution’s meaning remains the same as it was in 1787, while others believe its interpretation should evolve over time, especially as new amendments are added.

Each year, the Court receives about 7,000 cases but accepts only around 100 for review. Justices hear oral arguments, where lawyers have 30 minutes to present their cases. The justices discuss the cases in private conferences and then vote. One justice writes the majority opinion, while others may write concurring or dissenting opinions.