50 Facts About Supreme Court

The Supreme Court: Origins and Early History

The Supreme Court of the United States stands as the pinnacle of the American judicial system. Its journey from inception to its current stature is filled with intriguing milestones.

1. Establishment
   The Supreme Court was established by Article III of the United States Constitution, which vests judicial power in one Supreme Court and in such inferior courts as Congress may establish.

2. First Judiciary Act
   The Judiciary Act of 1789, passed on September 24, 1789, formally established the Supreme Court with six justices: one Chief Justice and five Associate Justices.

3. First Meeting
   The first meeting of the Supreme Court took place on February 1, 1791, in the Old City Hall in Philadelphia. The Court later moved to the Capitol building’s basement in Washington, D.C., before finding a more permanent home.

4. Chief Justice John Marshall
   John Marshall, who served as Chief Justice from 1801 to 1835, is one of the most influential justices in U.S. history. He played a crucial role in shaping the Court's jurisdiction and establishing the principle of judicial review.

5. Judicial Review
   The power of judicial review, which allows the Supreme Court to declare laws unconstitutional, was established in the landmark case of Marbury v. Madison (1803). This doctrine has been a cornerstone of the Court's authority ever since.

The Supreme Court Building and Structure

The Supreme Court didn't always have a grand building. Its structure and the number of justices have also evolved over time.

6. Supreme Court Building
   The Supreme Court did not have a fully functional home until 1935. Prior to that, it was housed in various locations, including the Old Senate Chamber from 1861 to 1935. The current building was designed by Cass Gilbert and opened in 1935.

7. Size and Membership
   The number of justices on the Supreme Court has varied over time. Initially, there were six justices, and the number increased to ten in 1863. In 1866, Congress reduced the number to seven to prevent President Andrew Johnson from appointing new justices. The number was later set at nine in 1869 and has remained so ever since.

8. Appointment Process
   Justices are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The process typically involves Senate Judiciary Committee hearings, and a simple majority vote is required for confirmation.

9. Life Tenure
   Justices serve for life unless they resign or are impeached and removed from office. This provision is designed to protect the independence of the judiciary from political pressures.

10. Salary Protection
    The salaries of Supreme Court justices cannot be decreased during their term of office. This protection ensures that justices are not influenced by financial considerations when making decisions.

Jurisdiction and Powers

The Supreme Court's jurisdiction and powers are vast, covering a wide range of cases and legal issues.

11. Original Jurisdiction
    The Supreme Court has original jurisdiction over certain cases, such as suits between states and cases involving ambassadors and other public ministers. In most cases, however, the Court exercises appellate jurisdiction, hearing appeals from lower federal courts.

12. Appellate Jurisdiction
    The Court has the discretion to decide whether to hear a case under its appellate jurisdiction. In a typical year, the Court agrees to hear about 100-150 of the over 7,000 cases it is asked to review.

13. Certiorari Act
    The Certiorari Act of 1925 gives the Supreme Court the discretion to decide whether to hear a case. This act allows the Court to choose which cases to review, ensuring that only the most significant and impactful cases are heard.

Influential Justices and Historical Trends

The Supreme Court has been shaped by many influential justices and has evolved significantly over the years.

14. Historical Trends
    The Supreme Court has evolved significantly over the years. From its early days in Philadelphia to its current home in Washington, D.C., the Court has adapted to changing times and circumstances.

15. Chief Justices
    There have been 17 chief justices in the history of the Supreme Court. Each chief justice has left their mark on the Court, shaping its direction and influence.

16. John Rutledge
    John Rutledge was the second chief justice, serving briefly in 1795. He was a recess appointment but was rejected by the Senate due to his public criticism of Congress.

17. David J. Brewer
    Justice David J. Brewer was born in the Ottoman Republic (modern-day Turkey) in 1837. His family were missionaries, and he later became a Supreme Court justice.

18. John Marshall Harlan
    John Marshall Harlan II served on the Court from 1955 to 1971. His grandfather, John Marshall Harlan, was a legendary justice who served from 1877 to 1911 and was known as the Great Dissenter for his opposition to Jim Crow laws.

19. Presidential Candidates
    Charles Evans Hughes, who served as Chief Justice from 1930 to 1941, was a presidential candidate in 1916. He resigned from the Court to run against Woodrow Wilson but later rejoined the Court after his defeat.

20. William Howard Taft
    William Howard Taft was the only president to serve on the Supreme Court. He resigned as Chief Justice in 1930 to run for president but lost the election.

The Supreme Court's Role and Impact

The Supreme Court's decisions have had a profound impact on American society and law.

21. Riding the Circuit
    Historically, justices were required to "ride the circuit," presiding over lower federal courts throughout the country. This requirement was lifted in 1891, but it was a significant part of the Court's early history.

22. Supreme Court Building Design
    The current Supreme Court building was designed by Cass Gilbert and features a neoclassical style. The building's design reflects the importance and dignity of the Court.

23. Court Officers
    The Supreme Court has various officers who assist in its functions. These include the Counselor to the Chief Justice, the Clerk, the Librarian, the Marshal, the Reporter of Decisions, the Court Counsel, the Curator, the Director of Information Technology, and the Public Information Officer.

24. Jurisdiction Over Treaties
    The Supreme Court has jurisdiction over cases involving treaties. This includes disputes arising from international agreements and their implementation within U.S. law.

25. Admiralty Cases
    The Court has jurisdiction over admiralty cases, which involve ships on the high seas and navigable waterways. This includes disputes related to maritime law and international shipping.

26. Suits Affecting Ambassadors
    The Supreme Court has original jurisdiction over suits affecting ambassadors, other public ministers, and consuls. This includes cases involving diplomatic relations and international disputes.

27. Disputes Between States
    The Court has jurisdiction over disputes between states. This includes cases involving interstate conflicts and legal issues between different states.

28. Cases Involving the United States
    The Supreme Court has jurisdiction over cases to which the United States is a party. This includes federal cases involving U.S. interests and legal disputes with foreign entities.

Landmark Decisions

The Supreme Court has made numerous landmark decisions that have shaped U.S. law and society.

29. Historical Decisions
    The Supreme Court has made numerous landmark decisions throughout its history. These decisions have shaped U.S. law and continue to influence contemporary legal issues.

30. Marbury v. Madison
    Marbury v. Madison (1803) is one of the most significant decisions in U.S. history. It established the principle of judicial review, giving the Supreme Court the power to declare laws unconstitutional.

31. Brown v. Board of Education
    Brown v. Board of Education (1954) was a landmark decision that declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional. This case marked a significant milestone in the Civil Rights Movement.

32. Roe v. Wade
    Roe v. Wade (1973) was a decision that legalized abortion in the United States. The case has been a subject of ongoing debate and controversy.

33. Miranda v. Arizona
    Miranda v. Arizona (1966) established the requirement for law enforcement to inform suspects of their rights before questioning. This decision has had a profound impact on criminal procedure.

34. New York Times Co. v. Sullivan
    New York Times Co. v. Sullivan (1964) set a high standard for libel cases, requiring that public officials prove "actual malice" to win a libel suit. This decision has protected freedom of the press.

35. Griswold v. Connecticut
    Griswold v. Connecticut (1965) recognized a right to privacy, which has been a cornerstone of subsequent reproductive rights cases. This decision has had far-reaching implications for personal freedoms.

36. Obergefell v. Hodges
    Obergefell v. Hodges (2015) declared same-sex marriage a constitutional right. This decision marked a significant milestone in the LGBTQ+ rights movement.

37. Citizens United v. FEC
    Citizens United v. FEC (2010) allowed corporations to spend unlimited amounts on political campaigns. This decision has been criticized for its impact on campaign finance laws.

38. Bush v. Gore
    Bush v. Gore (2000) effectively ended the presidential election dispute between George W. Bush and Al Gore. This decision has been controversial due to its impact on the outcome of the election.

39. Dred Scott v. Sandford
    Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857) was a decision that ruled African Americans were not citizens and had no right to sue in court. This decision was later overturned by the 14th Amendment.

40. Plessy v. Ferguson
    Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) established the "separate but equal" doctrine, which legitimized segregation in public facilities. This decision was later overturned by Brown v. Board of Education.

41. Tinker v. Des Moines
    Tinker v. Des Moines (1969) established that students have First Amendment rights, including freedom of speech and expression. This decision has protected student rights in schools.

42. Troxel v. Granville
    Troxel v. Granville (2000) ruled that parents have a constitutional right to control their children's upbringing, including decisions about visitation rights. This decision has implications for family law.

43. Lawrence v. Texas
    Lawrence v. Texas (2003) struck down a Texas law criminalizing sodomy, recognizing a right to privacy for LGBTQ+ individuals. This decision has protected LGBTQ+ rights.

44. Hamdi v. Rumsfeld
    Hamdi v. Rumsfeld (2004) established that U.S. citizens detained as enemy combatants have the right to due process and habeas corpus. This decision has implications for national security and civil liberties.

45. Baker v. Carr
    Baker v. Carr (1962) established the principle of one person, one vote in redistricting cases. This decision has ensured fair representation in elections.

46. Shelby County v. Holder
    Shelby County v. Holder (2013) struck down Section 4(b) of the Voting Rights Act, which required certain states with a history of voter suppression to obtain federal approval before changing voting laws. This decision has been criticized for its impact on voting rights.

47. Gonzales v. Raich
    Gonzales v. Raich (2005) upheld the federal government's authority to regulate marijuana under the Commerce Clause, even in states where it was legal. This decision has implications for federalism and state rights.

48. United States v. Nixon
    United States v. Nixon (1974) required President Richard Nixon to turn over tapes related to the Watergate scandal. This decision marked a significant check on executive power.

49. Texas v. Johnson
    Texas v. Johnson (1989) ruled that burning the American flag is protected by the First Amendment. This decision has protected freedom of expression and speech.

50. Role in Constitutional System
    The Supreme Court plays a crucial role in the U.S. constitutional system by ensuring equal justice under law, protecting civil rights and liberties, and setting appropriate limits on democratic government. It serves as the guardian and interpreter of the Constitution, ensuring that each branch of government recognizes its own limits and respects the fundamental values common to all Americans.

The Supreme Court's Lasting Impact

The Supreme Court stands as a cornerstone of American democracy, shaping the nation's laws and values for over two centuries. From its humble beginnings in Philadelphia to its grand building in Washington, D.C., the Court has evolved alongside the country. Landmark decisions like Marbury v. Madison, Brown v. Board of Education, and Roe v. Wade highlight its pivotal role in addressing critical issues. The Court's ability to interpret the Constitution ensures that justice remains fair and balanced. With life tenure and salary protection, justices can make decisions free from political pressures. The Court's jurisdiction spans original and appellate cases, impacting everything from state disputes to individual rights. Understanding these facts offers a deeper appreciation for the Supreme Court's enduring influence on American society. Its legacy continues to shape the legal landscape, safeguarding the principles of justice and equality.