Supreme Court of the United States
The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) is the highest judicial authority in the federal judiciary of the United States. Established pursuant to Article III of the United States Constitution, the Supreme Court was organized by the Judiciary Act of 1789. It holds the ultimate authority in interpreting the constitutionality of laws, resolving disputes among states, and reviewing lower court decisions.
Structure and Composition
The structure of the Supreme Court comprises one Chief Justice of the United States and eight Associate Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States, as established by the Judiciary Act of 1869. Justices are nominated by the President of the United States and must be confirmed by the United States Senate.
Nomination and Confirmation
The nomination and confirmation process involves several steps: after a justice is nominated, the Senate Judiciary Committee holds hearings to question the nominee and gather testimony. The Committee then votes on whether to send the nomination to the full Senate for confirmation.
Jurisdiction and Powers
The Supreme Court has both original and appellate jurisdiction. Original jurisdiction refers to cases that can be initiated directly in the Supreme Court, which typically includes disputes between states or cases involving ambassadors. Appellate jurisdiction covers cases that have been decided in lower courts and are brought to the Supreme Court on appeal.
SCOTUS has the power to interpret the United States Constitution and to invalidate laws and executive actions deemed unconstitutional. This practice, known as judicial review, was established in the landmark case Marbury v. Madison.
Landmark Decisions
The Supreme Court has rendered numerous landmark decisions that have significantly influenced American law and society. Some of the most notable include:
- Brown v. Board of Education: This decision declared state laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students to be unconstitutional.
- Roe v. Wade: This decision recognized a woman's constitutional right to an abortion under the right to privacy.
- Obergefell v. Hodges: This decision guaranteed the right to marry to same-sex couples under the Fourteenth Amendment.
- Miranda v. Arizona: This decision established the requirement for police to inform suspects of their rights to an attorney and against self-incrimination before questioning.
The Supreme Court Building
The United States Supreme Court Building in Washington, D.C., has housed the Court since 1935. Designed by architect Cass Gilbert, the building is an iconic symbol of the American judiciary.
Historical Evolution
The history of the Supreme Court dates back to its establishment in 1789. Over the centuries, the Court has evolved in both function and influence. Early justices often faced challenges such as traveling to circuit courts and limited resources. However, the Court's role expanded significantly under Chief Justices such as John Marshall and Earl Warren.