“The United States Supreme Court is composed of nine justices, including one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices. The main power of the SCOTUS is to declare whether a law is constitutional or not, known as ‘judicial review.’ This authority was established by the landmark decision in Marbury v. Madison in 1803, which strengthened the role of the SCOTUS as the guardian of the Constitution.”
Définition
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Structure and Functioning of the SCOTUS
“SCOTUS justices are chosen by the President of the United States and must be confirmed by the Senate. Once appointed, the justices serve for life, though they can resign, retire, or be impeached by Congress. This lifetime tenure is designed to ensure their independence from political pressures.”
Role and Impact of SCOTUS Decisions
The decisions of the SCOTUS have a profound and wide-ranging impact on American society, as they can influence issues related to civil rights, freedom of speech, economic policy, and the structures of government. A SCOTUS decision sets a precedent, meaning it guides future court rulings in similar cases.
Famous cases such as Brown v. Board of Education, which ended school segregation, or Roe v. Wade, which established the right to abortion, demonstrate how SCOTUS decisions can bring about major social and legislative changes in the United States.
Criticisms and Controversies Surrounding the SCOTUS
Despite its crucial role, the SCOTUS is often at the center of controversies. Some criticisms directed at the institution concern its decisions, which can be seen as too political, influenced by the personal opinions of the justices rather than strictly based on the Constitution. Additionally, the process of appointing justices is often a topic of debate due to its politicization.
The lasting impact of decisions made by lifetime justices is another source of concern, as a ruling can resonate for decades, influencing multiple generations. This often leads interest groups and politicians to heavily weigh in on SCOTUS nominations.
A retenir :
As the highest judicial authority in the United States, the SCOTUS plays a central role in interpreting the Constitution and ensuring fundamental rights. Composed of nine justices appointed for life, it exercises crucial judicial review by defining the constitutionality of laws. Its decisions profoundly influence the American legislative and social landscape, while also being a source of debate due to the long-term impact of its rulings and the politicization of its nomination process.