Home

Information:

Raw Intel
Articles
ID Data

Special Coverage:

Save Scan
Katrina

Get Involved:

Forum

Important Pages:

Search
Site Map
Contact
Network
Privacy Policy

Our TV Show:

Call 4 Investigation Videotape

ID DATA

Supreme Court of the United States

The highest court in the land.

The nation's highest tribunal is the final arbiter of the law, guardian and interpreter of the Constitution.

Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States.

• The first Senate bill, Judiciary Act of 1789, organized the Court.
• Supreme Court was first assembled February 2, 1790.
• On average a new Justice joins the Court every 22 months.
• About 8,000 petitions are submitted every year.
• Black robes have been traditional since about 1800.
• Acronym: SCOTUS (Supreme Court of the United States).
• Acronym: USSC (United States Supreme Court).

Equality and Justice in America.

The Supreme Court of the United States is one of three independent, co-equal branches of government created by the Constitution. It is the highest tribunal in the nation for all cases and controversies under the Constitution or the laws of the United States.

Scales of Justice.

The Court was established to stand watch between government and individuals. The government must be strong and flexible enough to fulfill its obligations while remaining sufficiently limited and just in its rules and restrictions. The Court is continually balancing society's need for order and the individual's right to freedom.

Keeping Things Fair and Equal.

The Court has an important and complex role, with the responsibility and authority to:

• ensure the American people are treated fair and equal and receive justice under law,
• protect the guaranteed rights of individual citizens while enforcing laws,
• invalidate legislation or executive actions that conflict with the Constitution,
• make sure the broad provisions of the Constitution are applied to the complicated situations of our current age.

It really does take an Act of Congress.

When the Supreme Court rules on a Constitutional issue, the judgment cannot be overruled except in two rare circumstances. A ruling can be invalidated by a new ruling of the Court or by constitutional amendment. Once the Supreme Court interprets a statue, new legislation can change it.

Unique in the World.

The Supreme Court of the United States is unlike any other.

• Few other courts in the world have the same authority of constitutional interpretation.
• None have exercised it for as long or with as much influence.

"A more imposing judicial power was never constituted by any people." -- Alex de Tocqueville

One reason the Supreme Court is so powerful is due to the American people themselves, who are deeply committed to the Rule of Law and constitutional government. Our support of the system allows it to cnotinue existing.

Further Information

To learn more about how the Supreme Court was established, its colorful history and influence that shaped the nation, visit History of Supreme Court.

To see a list of all the people who have served as Justices, along with a few interesting facts and stories, read All the Justices.

Short bio pages have been created for each of the current Justices:

• John G. Roberts, Jr.
• John Paul Stevens
• Sandra Day O'Connor
• Antonin Scalia
• Anthony M. Kennedy
• David H. Souter
• Clarence Thomas
• Ruth Bader Ginsburg
• Stephen G. Breyer