The U.S Supreme Court Video-Blog #2

 The role and process of the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court begins its work with petitions from individuals or entities seeking justice, ranging from prisoners claiming wrongful convictions to presidents defending executive powers. The court is selective in the cases it hears, deliberating privately but ruling on significant national issues. Public trust in the Court’s impartiality and independence is key to its authority, even though its legitimacy comes from the Constitution. The court's legacy and influence is it has been a model for high courts worldwide but remains uniquely powerful. While presidents attempt to shape the Court through nominations, justices often assert their independence. When the government moved to Washington, D.C., in 1801, the Supreme Court was housed in the unfinished Capitol. Chief Justice John Marshall established judicial review, the power to strike down laws as unconstitutional, strengthening the Court’s role as a co-equal branch of government. The Court has since gained public respect as an essential part of the U.S. democracy. The Operations and Deliberations of the Court. Justices review every petition, whether from prominent lawyers or handwritten requests from prisoners. Not all cases are accepted, and the Court’s refusal to hear a case does not set a legal precedent. Justices debate cases in conferences, ensuring all voices are heard before any justice speaks twice. In the court, they try to strive to remain impartial and resist external pressures, maintaining a level of mystique and distance from the public. Some traditions they do are shake hands before every meeting, reinforcing a sense of collegiality even when they disagree. They also recognize their past rulings shape future decisions that are made which makes change more difficult over time. Finally, The Court’s traditions and careful deliberations help ensure that the Constitution remains a guiding force for justice over centuries.

 One thing that stands out is the sheer volume of petitions the Court receives and the careful consideration given to each one, regardless of whether it's filed by high-profile lawyers or prisoners writing by hand. This underscores the Court’s commitment to fairness in at least reviewing every request for justice. The Supreme Court's power ultimately depends on public trust. The most important takeaway, I think, is that while its authority is rooted in the Constitution, its effectiveness relies on people believing in its independence and legitimacy. This reinforces how critical it is for justices to remain impartial and uphold the rule of law. What I found surprising was the idea that justices shake hands before every meeting was an unexpected but meaningful tradition. It shows that even in a setting where deep legal debates occur, there’s an effort to maintain respect and collegiality, which is crucial in an institution where disagreements shape the nation’s laws. A perspective the videos gave me was that video makes the Supreme Court feel more human. Instead of an abstract, distant institution, it presents justices as individuals grappling with complex issues, constrained by precedent, and evolving in their roles. It also highlights the weight of their decisions—how they shape history long after they leave the bench.