The Judiciary Act of gave the Supreme Court original jurisdiction to issue writs of mandamus legal orders compelling government officials to act in accordance with the law. A suit was brought under this Act, but the Supreme Court noted that the Constitution did not permit the Court to have original jurisdiction in this matter.
In subsequent cases, the Court also established its authority to strike down state laws found to be in violation of the Constitution.
Before the passage of the Fourteenth Amendment , the provisions of the Bill of Rights were only applicable to the federal government. After the Amendment's passage, the Supreme Court began ruling that most of its provisions were applicable to the states as well.
Therefore, the Court has the final say over when a right is protected by the Constitution or when a Constitutional right is violated. The Supreme Court plays a very important role in our constitutional system of government.
First, as the highest court in the land, it is the court of last resort for those looking for justice. Second, due to its power of judicial review, it plays an essential role in ensuring that each branch of government recognizes the limits of its own power.
Third, it protects civil rights and liberties by striking down laws that violate the Constitution. In essence, it serves to ensure that the changing views of a majority do not undermine the fundamental values common to all Americans, i. The decisions of the Supreme Court have an important impact on society at large, not just on lawyers and judges. The decisions of the Court have a profound impact on high school students. In fact, several landmark cases decided by the Court have involved students, e.
In the early decades of the twentieth century, the Supreme Court was often perceived as protecting property and enterprise against progressive legislation. In the s, in the era of Chief Justice Earl Warren, the Court embarked on an especially ambitious agenda.
The Warren Court decreed one person, one vote to be the rule in legislative appointment, applied most of the procedural guarantees of the Bill of Rights to the states, gave heart to the civil rights movement, and opened the door to a constitutional right of privacy and autonomy. What role does the Supreme Court play in American life?
Among its key functions is that of being an arbiter of the federal system. Thus the Supreme Court regularly is called upon to decide whether a federal statute or regulation preempts a state action. Likewise, the Court is often asked to decide whether a state law, otherwise valid, impinges upon some national interest such as the free flow of commerce.
The Supreme Court also plays a fundamental role in ensuring the rights and liberties of individuals. The justices are especially solicitous of freedom of expression. Others see the document as more organic. There is no doubt that the Court has gone beyond the literal text of the Constitution in recognizing and securing particular rights. A conspicuous example is the right of privacy or autonomy. Justice David J. Both Brewer and Field became Supreme Court justices and served together on the bench.
John Marshall Harlan II served from to His grandfather was the legendary John Marshall Harlan, who served on the Court from to The elder Harlan was known as the Great Dissenter for his opposition to rulings that promoted Jim Crow laws in the South. What happens when two justices take their oath on the same day? On January 7, , Lewis F. Powell Jr. Rehnquist were sworn in during a special sitting of the court.
When two justices join the court on the same day, seniority is determined by age. Eight future Supreme Court justices clerked at the Supreme Court.
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