Supreme Court Documentary Review

The Supreme Court of the United States is the most powerful judicial power on Earth, where the law of the United States is interpreted. The power invested in the Court is to rest on the faith of the public through independence and impartiality. Over the years of our nation's history, the Supreme Court has played a crucial role in shaping the rules and regulations of our government. In doing so, they have faced countless controversial cases, some they have accepted to be heard, and some they have denied. 

Throughout the over two hundred years of the Court's existence, each of the more than one hundred justices has served their terms without a trace of bias. This stern focus on impartiality has been the rock-solid foundation of the Supreme Court and has led to the set laws of our nation.

Regarding controversy involving the Supreme Court, a certain case dated back to the late 1700s stands alone. In the case of Dred Scott v. Sanford, Chief Justice Taney decided that slavery was constitutional and could not be outlawed. This case is one known for its unmatchable controversy as the topic of slavery at the time was a major debate surrounding the Constitution and the Supreme Court. 

The Dred Scott case is just one of the controversial cases taken by the Court. Furthermore, nearly every case accepted by the Supreme Court has severe controversy surrounding it with just around one percent of cases being accepted. This minute percentage implies that each case that is heard before the Court holds a significant decision in terms of our constitutional laws. 

A surprising fact to learn about the Supreme Court was that not all nine justices hear a case. It was my understanding before watching the documentary that every case heard involved every justice being present in court. With such serious cases being heard, only three to five justices present to hear cases usually seems unfathomable to me. This changed my perspective on the Supreme Court as I used to believe it was a strongly set branch of government and was supported by the people along with the government. 

Now after the documentary, I have changed my beliefs as I now see the Court as a branch of government that is judged and filled with controversy constantly. Simultaneously, the Court has the power to overturn the authority of the United States government while the public has no power over who becomes a Supreme Court Justice. At this current moment, I now am at an impasse in which I have faith in the Court and the Justices to lead our judicial system, or that I question their powers of our government.

Outside of all the controversy and negativity, the Supreme Court has been a vital piece in maintaining the balance of the United States government. From Chief Justice John Marshall's initial act of deeming an Act of Congress as unconstitutional through the Marbury v. Madison case, the Supreme Court has reshaped the base law of our government. Ever since this act by Chief Justice Marshall, all justices in the Supreme Court are entitled with the power to interpret the Constitution. This power comes as a gift and a curse as many justices will say, as once again, controversy shadows this power daily. 

In the end, the Supreme Court and the justices that have served are fighting a constant and more than likely never-ending battle against the public and government in their decisions of cases. Yet, this battle is what leads to our nation adapting to change and therefore, leading us to become a better and stronger power of the world.