Politics

The Supreme Court of the United States serves as the highest authority in the nation's judicial system, overseeing legal interpretations and rulings on constitutional matters. Its official webpage provides access to the court’s schedule, historical background, and recent decisions. Visitors can also find official documents related to court proceedings, along with details on how to visit the court in person and observe its operations firsthand.

​Court packing is the practice of altering the number of Supreme Court justices, typically to shift the court's ideological balance. The US Constitution doesn't specify the number of justices; this is determined by Congress. Historically, the court's size has varied, notably during the Civil War era. This page from the National Constitution Center explores the times presidents attempted to “pack the court,” including an unsuccessful attempt by Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1937.

While most government leaders have limits to how long they can lead, the United States Supreme Court is a rare exception. The US Constitution established life terms for the country's highest judges, ostensibly to insulate the institution from political pressures associated with campaigning or as a quid pro quo for a brief appointment. Dive into the debate around this controversial US policy with this brief write-up.

In recent decades, Supreme Court nominations have grown increasingly contentious and partisan. This video examines the historical shift from once bipartisan and civil confirmation hearings to the deeply divisive process seen today. It focuses on the 1987 nomination of Robert Bork, the most recent nominee to be rejected, as an important moment in this transformation.

In the US, nine unelected justices can shape some of the most personal and political parts of our lives. But the Supreme Court wasn’t always this powerful. When it was first written into the Constitution, it had no clear authority, no real role, and little public respect.

​This page from the US Supreme Court's official website outlines the Court's operational framework. It details the annual term's structure, alternating between "sittings" for hearing cases and "recesses" for deliberation and opinion writing. Head here for a description of the protocols for oral argument, the court’s decision-making processes, and the Justices' continuous responsibilities.

SCOTUSblog is a go-to source for in-depth, nonpartisan coverage of the US Supreme Court. Founded in 2002, it offers expert analysis from lawyers, professors, and journalists. The blog provides clear and unbiased explanations of major cases, real-time decision updates, and insights into court nominations and trends.

The Judiciary Act of 1789 established the structure of the US federal judiciary, creating a six-member Supreme Court, district courts, and circuit courts. It delineated the jurisdiction of these courts and outlined the relationship between state and federal courts. For a comprehensive explanation and the full transcript of the bill, head to this page from the National Archives.

​Appointing a US Supreme Court justice is a rigorous process involving multiple steps. The President nominates a candidate, who then undergoes thorough background checks and vetting. The Senate Judiciary Committee conducts public hearings to assess the nominee's qualifications and judicial philosophy. Following these hearings, the full Senate debates and votes on the nomination. This video from Ted-Ed outlines this process in detail.

​Marbury v. Madison (1803) was a landmark US Supreme Court case that established the principle of judicial review. This concept empowers American courts to invalidate laws and statutes that violate the Constitution. This decision significantly increased the influence and authority of the Supreme Court. This video from the History Channel outlines the case and its impact on American constitutional law.