Supreme Court Reflection

 

The Supreme Court at Night; The most
 powerful court in the world.

As a student diving into the workings of the Supreme Court, I’ve come to appreciate just how central it is to our democracy. It’s not just the final stop for legal disputes—it’s the most powerful judicial body on Earth, setting a global standard for constitutional courts. Its main job? Interpreting the Constitution and defining the limits of power for the President, Congress, and the states. But what really struck me is that its true strength doesn’t just come from the Constitution—it comes from the public’s trust in its independence and fairness.

One of the most defining moments in the Court’s history was Marbury v. Madison, where Chief Justice John Marshall established judicial review. That case gave the Court the authority to strike down laws that violate the Constitution, making it a co-equal branch of government.

Marbury V. Madison Drawing

The justices themselves are fascinating. Over 100 have served, with an average tenure of 16 years—often long after the president who appointed them has left office. While presidents try to shape the Court through nominations, justices tend to assert their independence. Once confirmed by the Senate, they answer only to the law and their conscience. Adjusting to the role isn’t easy either; it can take years to fully settle in.

The Court receives thousands of petitions each year but hears only about 100. Every petition, whether from a top-tier lawyer or a handwritten note from a prisoner, gets equal attention. And contrary to popular belief, when the Court declines a case, it doesn’t mean they agree with the lower court—it just means they’re not taking it up.

What I found most interesting is how the Court operates. Oral arguments are public, and justices use them to ask tough questions and clarify legal points. Afterward, they meet privately to vote and write opinions, often revising drafts to build consensus. These opinions become binding law, shaping our nation’s legal landscape.

Ultimately, the Supreme Court’s authority rests on trust. People follow its decisions because they believe it stands for justice—not politics. And that, to me, is what makes it so powerful.

AI Disclosure: After taking notes while watching the Supreme Court video, I used Microsoft Copilot to smooth the text and format in a reliable way. I then edited the AI generated text. I added photos and captions. I also broke up the text with subheadings. I expanded text by adding some of my personal thoughts and opinions.