The Truth about the Supreme Court
While watching the YouTube video "Supreme Court," I realized quickly how serious of a job the supreme court justices have on their plate. Their legitimacy is in the Constitution, however, their power relies in the hands of the people. They are in charge of upholding the rule of law and safeguarding liberty. Although it may seem like an easy job, I learned right away it truly isn't.
There have only been close to 100 supreme court justices and the longest they've remained in office is 16 years. Justice Stephen Breyer said, "Once confirmed, all of us are primarily responsible to the law in this institution, your own conscience, and he public no longer has a direct ability to influence any of them." However, this job isn't easy, some describe it as being "struck by lightning." They cannot avoid controversy and it takes a while to get used to this overwhelming job.
Under John Marshall, the first Chief Justice's, the Supreme Court quickly earned the public's respect as a branch of the government.
They get around 7,000 cases a year and usually receive 100 new cases every week. Most of them are written arguments that a lower courts ruling was incorrect. However, they will only accept 100 a year. All the justices must read through them and decide each case. Every case gets the same consideration whether it be a prisoner writing from jail or a lawyer.
However, I was shocked to hear that a Chief Justice Rodger would stick to being not indifferent in a case involving slavery. One of them actually agreed that blacks could never be citizens, this weakened the courts accountability and many turned against them because of this. However, we must remember these individuals are only human and they will make mistakes.
Overall, I learned how difficult of a job this truly is and the immense about of pressure they are constantly under. Furthermore, the cases brought to them are not always cases that has been stirring in the media or news lately, yet they still have to discuss it. They sometimes do public hearings which helps them learn more about a case and ask the hard questions they normally don't get to do just reading a case. I think this is effective because they are able to be more personable in this way.
