Supreme Court Reflection

The Supreme Court of the United States

The Supreme Court of the United States stands as the most sacred institution in the judicial branch, entrusted with interpreting the Constitution and shaping the legal landscape of the nation. Its power is not derived from force or politics, but from the trust it earns from the American people. This is founded by principled decisions and unwavering dedication to justice.

Presidents hold the significant responsibility of appointing justices to the Court, a process that carries immense weight and often invites controversy. These appointments shape the future of constitutional interpretation. For the justices themselves, the role is both stressful and overwhelming. They are tasked with making decisions that can redefine societal norms, often under intense public scrutiny.

Each year, the Court receives approximately 7,000 cases, most of which are appeals. The justices meet weekly to determine which cases merit their attention, carefully selecting those with the greatest constitutional significance. Unlike other branches of government, the Supreme Court does not proactively seek issues—it waits for the people to bring their problems forward. This reactive nature underscores its role as a guardian of the Constitution rather than a political actor.

In their deliberations, justices vote alone, without influence from others, and then write their opinions to explain their reasoning. Oral arguments play a pivotal role in shaping these decisions, offering a dynamic space for legal ideas to be tested and refined.

The Court has no hidden agenda or secret operations. Its transparency and adherence to constitutional principles are what make it revered. As Chief Justice John Marshall once exemplified, the Court must always remember: “We must never forget it is the Constitution we are embodying.” From landmark cases like Dred Scott’s fight against slavery to modern-day rulings, the Supreme Court remains a symbol of justice, integrity, and the enduring power of law.

AI Disclose: After taking notes while watch the Supreme Court video, I used Microsoft copilot to smooth the text and format it in a readable way. I then edited the AI-genererated text. I added photos and captions. I also broke up the text with subheading. I expanded on the AI generated text by adding some of my personal thoughts and options.