Supreme Court of the US "EQUAL JUSTICE UNDER LAW"

Nine hard working justices left with near 7,000 cases, with only about 100 cases accepted and argued. This describes the Supreme Court, a model to the rest of the world. In 1789 the Supreme Court was established by Article Three of the US Constitution. But it wasn't until February 2nd, 1790, when the first meeting was held. No cases were heard in this meeting and many after. It is because these early meetings focused on shaping structure and organization. In today's times, the Supreme Court is the highest court in the US, and the last resort for anyone seeking justice. The role of the court is to bring justice to the citizens of the US. Therefore, they strike down any and everything that disobeys the constitution. "EQUAL JUSTICE UNDER LAW" are the words written above the entrance to the building located in Washington, DC. 


Let's talk about how the Supreme Court runs. I feel that this information is unknown for many my age. Here is a quick summary of how the court gets ready for a hearing, inside the courtroom, and how the Justices make a final decision. 


It all starts when a party loses in a lower court case. From there, the losing party can request entry onto the Supreme Courts calendar. Out of the nearly 7,000 cases only around 100 get accepted. If the court agrees to hear the case, lawyers from each side submit written arguments and outline the problems within the case. Shortly after, lawyers give their oral arguments and the justices review everything from each argument. Each party has half an hour to present their positions as well as take questions from the judges. Chief Justice in the center, the next senior judge on the left and right and so on. The justices are usually continuously talking to lawyers and asking questions.  


Once the actual arguments complete, the justices themselves argue. Then they take their arguments to review with clerks. Recently after the justice meet as a group in a conference room and cast votes. Next an opinion is drafted. The opinions might be changed a dozen or more times. Once a majority or four of the nine judges, sign, it can be made public. From then on, the case is a part of the constitutional law.


What I can take out of this blog is that I could never be a Supreme Court justice. The responsibility and intensity of the job are not for me. But I feel that as an American citizen, it is important to know how the court works. All in all, as it says in the preamble to the constitution..."to form a more perfect Union, ESTABLISH JUSTICE, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity."


PHOTO: Justices of the U.S. Supreme Court pose for their official photo at the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., Nov. 30, 2018.


For more information: 


“American Government.” Lumen, courses.lumenlearning.com/os-government2e/chapter/the-supreme-court/.


“The First Supreme Court Is Established.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 24 Nov. 2009, www.history.com/this-day-in-history/the-first-supreme-court.



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