Talking About Freedom: Supreme Court-Part 1
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| The Supreme Court of The United States |
The Supreme Court of the United States is the nation’s most powerful judicial body, with its authority rooted in public trust rather than direct enforcement. It interprets a Constitution written over 200 years ago to uphold justice and guide the nation’s legal framework.
One of the most influential figures in its history was John Marshall, a Virginia lawyer who became Chief Justice in 1801. Under his leadership, the Court established the principle of judicial review by striking down an act of Congress as unconstitutional and helped define the separation of powers among the branches of government.
Before the Civil War, Congress claimed it lacked the authority to end slavery, but the war and subsequent constitutional amendments, especially the 13th, 14th, and 15th, abolished slavery and granted citizenship and voting rights to formerly enslaved people.
The Court meets weekly to deliberate and vote on cases, and both majority and dissenting justices issue opinions to explain their reasoning. One of the most infamous decisions in its history was the Dred Scott Case , which denied African Americans basic rights, reinforced slavery, and heightened sectional tensions that helped lead to the Civil War. This case demonstrated the immense power of the Court, but also how a deeply flawed ruling can undermine its credibility, weaken public trust, and disrupt the balance of power in the U.S. system.
Ultimately, the case demonstrated that the Supreme Court holds not just the power to interpret the Constitution but also the responsibility to do so wisely, with an awareness of its role in preserving both justice and national unity.
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