Blog Post #2

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Supreme_Court_Building

• What did you learn about the Supreme Court that you didn't already know?

One thing I learned was that the Court was initially seen as a relatively weak institution under the Judiciary Act of 1789. It was only till Marbury v. Madison in 1803. Which established the principle of judicial review, allowing the Court to declare laws unconstitutional. Only under Chief Justice John Marshall's leadership did the Court's authority and respect significantly enhance. His leadership not only strengthened the Court's position within the government but also helped define the principles of federalism and the balance of power between state and federal governments.

• What is the most important takeaway point about the Supreme Court?

I feel Justice Sandra Day O'Connor says it best, "Every Petition, whether it's filed by high-priced legal counsel or whether it's written by some prisoner sitting in jail someplace in his own hand, gets the same individual consideration."

https://judicialstudies.duke.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/ME626-10_1200by800.jpg

• What was the most surprising thing you learned?

 The most surprising thing I learned is how the court actually works with oral discussions. In her testimony, Ruth Bader Ginsburg describes the first time she argued as a lawyer. She was so nervous that she didn't eat beforehand and felt terrified, but after just a few minutes, she began to feel completely comfortable. This shift in her experience shows how, despite the intimidating atmosphere, the process of oral arguments can become familiar and manageable, even for someone who was initially overwhelmed by the gravity of the situation.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/76/Ruth_Bader_Ginsburg_2016_portrait.jpg/640px-Ruth_Bader_Ginsburg_2016_portrait.jpg

• How did the video change the way you thought of the Supreme Court?

One thing that changed the way I thought of the court is that it really doesn't matter how much you spend on legal fees. They genuinely hear any vital case. Also, I did not know that they really just ask more general questions rather than more legal questions.