Blog Post #2

 Introduction to the Supreme Court 

History

    The Supreme Court was established in 1789 by Article 3 of the United States Constitution. The legislative branch first act of duty was the Judiciary Act of 1789, which specified that the court would be made up of 6 justices who would serve until they died or retired. It was set to the first assembly on February 1, 1790 but didn't actually get held until the next day due to traffic keeping some of the justices from getting there. They actually didn't hear any cases their first term, and the first decision on a case was made on August 3, 1791 in the West vs Barnes case. 

Supreme Court Justices

    The Supreme Court Justices are nominated by the President and either confirmed or denied by the Senate. The first Supreme Court was made up of Chief Justice John Jay, and Associate Justice's John Rutledge, William Cushing, John Blair, Robert Harrison, and James Wilson. The Chief Justice is responsible for presiding over the Supreme Court and setting an agenda at meetings. They also presides over trail of impeachment against the President in the Senate including our latest President Donald Trump's hearing. 

Importance

    The Supreme Court is the highest federal court in the country and the head of the Judicial branch of government. Under the US Constitution the Supreme Court has ultimate jurisdiction over all laws within the United States and is responsible for evaluating the constitutionality of those laws. The Supreme Court also has the power to check the work of the other branches of government. It serves our country as a way to ensure that the changing views of a majority does not undermine the fundamental values common to all Americans.