The U.S. Supreme Court

The Supreme Court Building

The U.S. Supreme Court is viewed by many as a stoic, distant body, but it is an institution that has shaped the trajectory of American history through its interpretations of the Constitution. Two videos I watched (Part I and Part II) provided a deep dive into the inner workings and profound impacts of the Supreme Court as well as offered insights into its role as a guardian of liberty and a decider of the nation’s most crucial legal disputes.

Private Chambers of the Supreme Court

The Court’s Intricate Process

One of the most interesting aspects of the video was the journey of a case through the Supreme Court. The process begins with thousands of written petitions filed each year, from which the Court selects only about a hundred for full consideration. For me, the most surprising thing to learn was that in each Term of the Court (which begins on the first Monday in October and lasts until the first Monday in October of the next year), approximately 5,000-7,000 new cases are filed in the Supreme Court. This amount of cases is significantly larger than was presented to the Court in the past. For instance, In the 1950 Term, the Court received only 1,195 new cases. This was explained on the Supreme Court’s Official Website. In their private chambers, the nine justices deliberate on these petitions (ranging from prisoners’ rights cases to significant national issues like presidential powers). This stage is crucial and reinforces the Court’s role in shaping national policy and individual rights. The video highlighted the statement from Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, describing their deliberations as "the quiet of a storm center," a metaphor that beautifully captures the intense, yet understated, nature of their work.

The Supreme Court as composed June 30, 2022 to present.

Changing Perceptions Before watching these videos, I saw the Supreme Court as a distant, almost unapproachable group that is removed from the lives of everyday Americans. However, I now see that the justices are deeply engaged, not just as legal scholars, but as individuals with a strong commitment to fairness and independence. Their lifetime appointments mean they often serve well beyond the terms of the presidents who nominated them, which allows them to focus on long-term constitutional principles rather than shifting political trends. In their approach to decision-making, they emphasize respectful dialogue and consensus, carefully weighing each viewpoint before reaching decisions. This collaborative spirit and commitment to impartiality make the Court feel far less removed than I originally thought. It is instead a living institution committed to interpreting the Constitution in a way that serves both justice and the public good.

The Takeaway My most important takeaway about the Supreme Court is its dynamic natureMy most important takeaway about the Supreme Court is its dynamic nature. It functions not only as the final interpreter of the law but as an evolving institution that adapts to meet the nation’s changing needs. This flexibility allows the Court to uphold core constitutional principles while addressing modern issues like digital privacy and equality. The Court remains relevant, ensuring that the law serves the public and reflects evolving values. It is not just a judge of the law but an evolving body that responds to the nation's needs and the nuances of societal progress.