Supreme Court of the United States | Northeast Washington

The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) stands as the apex of the American judicial system, playing a fundamental role in interpreting and upholding the Constitution and federal law. It is the highest court in the country, and its decisions are final and binding on all other courts.

Constitutional Foundation and Establishment

The Supreme Court was established under Article III, Section 1 of the U.S. Constitution, which vests the judicial power of the United States in “one supreme Court.” The Judiciary Act of 1789 formally created the Court and set its initial structure. Unlike Congress or the President, the Constitution provides no detailed framework for the Court's procedures, jurisdiction, or size, leaving much of that to legislation and tradition.

Composition and Appointment of Justices

The Court is composed of nine Justices, a number set by Congress since 1869. This includes one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices. Justices are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate through a rigorous vetting and confirmation process, which often involves hearings before the Senate Judiciary Committee and a full Senate vote. Justices serve “during good behavior,” which has been interpreted as lifetime tenure unless they resign, retire, pass away, or are impeached and removed. This lifetime appointment is intended to shield them from political pressure and ensure judicial independence.

The Chief Justice not only presides over the Court’s public sessions but also has significant administrative responsibilities, including overseeing the federal judiciary and presiding over impeachment trials of the President in the Senate.

Jurisdiction and Powers

The Supreme Court has both original and appellate jurisdiction, though its original jurisdiction is narrowly defined and rarely used. Original jurisdiction refers to cases that can be brought directly to the Supreme Court without first being heard in lower courts. These typically involve disputes between states or cases involving diplomats from foreign countries.

The Court’s primary role is appellate, meaning it reviews decisions from federal appellate courts and state supreme courts when a federal or constitutional question is involved. It receives thousands of petitions for review each term but accepts only a small percentage through a process called granting a writ of certiorari. This discretionary power allows the Court to focus on cases of national importance, conflicts among lower courts, or issues requiring clarification of constitutional principles.

Case Procedure and Decision-Making

The Court’s term begins on the first Monday in October and usually runs until late June or early July. During the term, the Court hears oral arguments, generally scheduled from October to April. Cases accepted for review are docketed, and the parties submit written briefs arguing their positions. Amicus curiae (“friend of the court”) briefs may also be filed by interested third parties.

Oral arguments provide an opportunity for the Justices to question attorneys directly, clarifying points and probing legal reasoning. After oral arguments, the Justices meet in a private conference to discuss the case and vote on the outcome. The Chief Justice speaks first, followed by the other Justices in order of seniority.

To decide a case, at least five Justices must agree on the judgment, known as the majority opinion. One or more Justices may write concurring opinions agreeing with the outcome but offering different reasoning, while dissenting Justices write opinions explaining their disagreement. These written opinions provide legal reasoning that guides lower courts and future cases, establishing binding precedents.

Judicial Review and Constitutional Interpretation

One of the Court’s most critical powers is judicial review, the authority to invalidate laws and executive actions that conflict with the Constitution. Although not explicitly stated in the Constitution, this power was firmly established by the landmark 1803 case Marbury v. Madison. Judicial review positions the Supreme Court as a key arbiter in the balance of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

The Court’s role in constitutional interpretation often involves balancing competing rights, federal versus state powers, and evolving social values. Its decisions can affirm or reshape American law on fundamental issues such as civil liberties, voting rights, freedom of speech, due process, and equal protection.

Historical Impact and Landmark Cases

Throughout American history, the Supreme Court has been instrumental in shaping national policies and social progress. Some landmark rulings include:

Marbury v. Madison (1803): Established judicial review.

Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857): Denied citizenship and rights to African Americans, later overturned but significant in pre-Civil War tensions.

Plessy v. Ferguson (1896): Upheld “separate but equal” racial segregation, later overturned by Brown.

Brown v. Board of Education (1954): Declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, a pivotal moment in civil rights.

Miranda v. Arizona (1966): Established Miranda rights to protect against self-incrimination during police interrogation.

Roe v. Wade (1973): Recognized a woman’s constitutional right to abortion.

Obergefell v. Hodges (2015): Legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.

Each of these decisions demonstrates the Court’s power to influence American life deeply, often sparking political and social debates.

Institutional Role and Public Perception

The Supreme Court functions not only as a legal body but also as a symbol of justice and constitutional governance. Its decisions impact legislation, executive action, and individual rights. However, its legitimacy depends heavily on public confidence and the perception of impartiality and fairness. The lifetime tenure and appointment process sometimes make the Court a focal point of political controversy, especially when cases involve contentious issues.

Physical Location and Operation

The Court convenes in the United States Supreme Court Building in Washington, D.C., an iconic neoclassical structure completed in 1935. The building includes chambers, libraries, and administrative offices. Public access to oral arguments is limited, and security is tight due to the Court’s national significance.

In summary, the Supreme Court of the United States is the ultimate legal authority for interpreting the Constitution and federal law. Its composition, jurisdiction, and decisions profoundly affect the legal framework and societal norms of the country, ensuring that constitutional principles endure amidst changing times.