Supreme Court Reflection

Supreme Court of the United States is the most
 powerful court in the word.

As a student exploring the foundations of American democracy, I’ve come to appreciate the quiet but immense power of the United States Supreme Court. With just nine justices, this institution stands as the most powerful judicial body in the world not because it commands armies or enforces laws, but because it holds the trust of a nation.

The Court’s authority is rooted in judicial review, a principle established in Marbury v. Madison (1803). This landmark case gave the Court the ability to strike down laws that conflict with the Constitution, making it the final interpreter of our nation’s most sacred document. That power has shaped everything from civil rights to presidential authority.

Dred Scott

But the Court’s legacy is not without controversy. In Dred Scott v. Sandford, the justices denied a Black man his freedom, a decision that deeply damaged the Court’s credibility. It took decades and the passage of the 13th Amendment for the institution to begin regaining public trust. That moment reminds us that even the highest court can falter, and that its legitimacy depends on its commitment to justice and due process.

Each year, the Court receives around 7,000 petitions, but hears only a small fraction. The cases it selects often involve the most difficult and divisive issues in American life. When the justices deliberate, they do so in isolation nine individuals tasked with asking the hardest questions. One justice must write the majority  opinion, a process that can take months and shape legal precedent for generations.

Justices serve an average of 16 years, often spanning multiple presidencies. That means each appointment is a chance for a president to influence the Court’s direction for decades. The ideological balance of the Court can shift dramatically depending on who sits in the Oval Office.

Ultimately, the Supreme Court’s power lies not just in its decisions, but in the trust it earns. That trust is fragile, built slowly through reasoned judgment, constitutional fidelity, and a deep understanding of the human dilemmas at the heart of every case. As I study its history and rulings, I’m reminded that the Court is not just a legal institution it’s a reflection of our nation’s conscience.

AI Disclosure:  After notes while watching the super Court video, I used Microsoft Copilot to smooth the text and format it in a readable way. I then edited the Ai generated text. I added photos and captions. I also broke up the text with subheadings.