Overview
The Supreme Court is the ultimate legal authority in the federal court system of the United States and in most state legal systems. It serves as the final arbiter of legal disputes and has the power to interpret the Constitution. The Supreme Court has the authority to review decisions made by lower courts, including those concerning the constitutionality of tax laws.
Functions
- Final Appellate Jurisdiction: The Supreme Court serves as the court of last resort, hearing appeals on a wide range of issues, including the constitutionality of tax laws.
- Certiorari Procedure: The Court uses a certiorari process to select which cases to review. This enables the Court to manage its docket and focus on cases of national significance, including certain tax-related cases.
- Judicial Review: One of the most crucial functions of the Supreme Court is to interpret the Constitution and to assess the constitutionality of laws passed by Congress or state legislatures.
- Precedent Setting: Decisions made by the Supreme Court serve as binding precedents for all other courts in the United States.
Composition
The Supreme Court consists of nine justices, including one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices. These justices are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate.
Examples
- Marbury v. Madison: Established the principle of judicial review, empowering the Supreme Court to invalidate unconstitutional laws.
- Brown v. Board of Education: Declared state laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students to be unconstitutional.
- Obergefell v. Hodges: Legalized same-sex marriage nationwide by interpreting the Constitution as guaranteeing this right under the Equal Protection Clause.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is certiorari?
Certiorari is a writ or order by which a higher court reviews a decision of a lower court. The U.S. Supreme Court uses this procedure to choose which cases it will hear from among the thousands of petitions filed each year.
How does a case reach the Supreme Court?
A case typically reaches the Supreme Court after going through various lower courts. A party seeking review from the Supreme Court files a petition for certiorari, and the Court decides whether to take the case.
What types of cases does the Supreme Court hear?
The Supreme Court hears cases involving constitutional issues, federal laws, treaties, and disputes between states, among other significant matters. This includes reviewing the constitutionality of tax laws.
How long does a Supreme Court Justice serve?
Supreme Court Justices serve for life, unless they resign, retire, or are impeached and removed.
Can the Supreme Court’s decisions be appealed?
No, the Supreme Court is the highest court in the United States, and its decisions are final.
Related Terms
- Judicial Review: The power of courts to assess whether a law is in compliance with the Constitution.
- Appellate Court: A court having jurisdiction to review decisions of lower courts.
- Constitutionality: Whether a statute, regulation, or government action is consistent with the Constitution.
- Writ of Certiorari: An order issued by a higher court to review the decision and proceedings in a lower court and determine whether there were any irregularities.
Online References
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The Supreme Court” by Lawrence Baum
- “The Nine: Inside the Secret World of the Supreme Court” by Jeffrey Toobin
- “Making Your Case: The Art of Persuading Judges” by Antonin Scalia and Bryan A. Garner
- “The Brethren: Inside the Supreme Court” by Bob Woodward and Scott Armstrong
Fundamentals of Supreme Court: Judicial Basics Quiz
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