The Founding Era and the Supreme Court

The history and workings of the Supreme Court are a staple to the United States and the entire justice system. Throughout part 1 and part 2 of the film, I gained a better understanding of the Supreme Court and the reason that the US Supreme Court is the most powerful branch of the government. The Supreme Court is composed of nine of the most powerful individuals in the justice system. In the film, I also learned about the responsibility of the Supreme Court to uphold the constitution. The Supreme Court’s responsibility to uphold the constitution and use the amendments as a tool to decide the outcome of cases is an important part of their job.

 The most interesting thing I learned in the video about the Supreme Court is that their court has become a model for other courts worldwide. The second most interesting fact I learned about the court is that there have been over 100 judges appointed overtime and they all serve for an average of sixteen years. I also learned that the Supreme Court is an influential power in the judicial system, because their written opinions bind all lower courts as they decide future cases which sets a precedent. The Supreme Court is responsible for giving equal consideration to all their cases to ensure that all cases receive an equal and well thought out decision. The Supreme Court also has a main responsibility to consider the legal questions.

Lastly, one of the most important take-aways that I learned about the Supreme Court is that they are aided by law clerks when Justices write opinions, and use the law clerks help in researching and drafting the opinions. The Supreme Court overtime has been shaped by some powerful judges from all different walks of life to embody the United States and its constituents. For example, Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Justice Elena Kagan, Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to name a few of the influential women of the Supreme Court who I view as very important to my own personal journey in the legal field, and an important Justice during their time on the court or currently serving on the Court.