Supreme Court (6do encyclopedia)



The Supreme Court of the United States, commonly referred to as the Supreme Court or SCOTUS, is the highest court in the federal judiciary system of the United States of America. It is composed of nine justices, who are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate, and who serve on the Court for life or until retirement. The Supreme Court is responsible for interpreting the Constitution, resolving disputes between states, and overseeing the federal court system.

History

The Supreme Court was established in 1789, as part of the Judiciary Act, with a Chief Justice and five Associate Justices. The first Chief Justice was John Jay, who was appointed by President George Washington. The early Court dealt with a variety of issues, including disputes between states, admiralty and maritime law, and issues related to the federal government. The early Court was also instrumental in establishing the doctrine of judicial review, which grants the Court the power to declare acts of Congress and other government actions unconstitutional.

Over the course of its history, the Supreme Court has played a significant role in shaping American law and politics. The Court has been involved in some of the most important decisions in American history, including cases such as Marbury v. Madison (1803), which established the doctrine of judicial review; Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857), which denied citizenship to African Americans and fueled tensions leading up to the Civil War; Brown v. Board of Education (1954), which desegregated public schools; and Roe v. Wade (1973), which legalized abortion nationwide.

Structure and Jurisdiction

The Supreme Court is composed of a Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices. The Chief Justice is currently John Roberts, who was nominated by President George W. Bush and confirmed by the Senate in 2005. The Associate Justices are Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen Breyer, Samuel Alito, Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett.

The Supreme Court has both original and appellate jurisdiction. Original jurisdiction means that the Court has the authority to hear cases for the first time, rather than reviewing decisions made by lower courts. The Court has original jurisdiction in cases involving disputes between states or cases involving foreign diplomats. Appellate jurisdiction means that the Court has the authority to review cases that have already been decided by lower courts. The vast majority of cases heard by the Supreme Court fall under appellate jurisdiction.

The Court typically hears cases that have significant legal or constitutional implications, or cases in which lower courts have issued conflicting rulings. Cases come before the Court through writs of certiorari, which are requests for the Court to review a lower court’s decision. The Court receives thousands of certiorari petitions each year, but only a small number are granted.

Decision Making

The Supreme Court typically meets from October to June each year, with breaks for holidays and winter recess. The Court hears oral arguments in cases during its October to April term. Each side is given 30 minutes to present its argument and answer questions from the justices.

After oral argument, the justices meet in conference to discuss the case and vote on a decision. In order for the Court to issue a decision, a majority of the justices must agree on the outcome and the reasoning behind it. Once a decision is reached, the Court issues a written opinion that explains the rationale for the decision and how it applies to the case at hand.

Supreme Court decisions are binding on all lower courts and have the force of law. They can only be overturned by the Court itself or by a constitutional amendment. As such, Supreme Court decisions have a significant impact on American law and society.

Criticism and Controversy

The Supreme Court has been the subject of criticism and controversy throughout its history. Critics argue that the Court is too powerful, that its decisions are often ideologically driven, and that its members are too insulated from public opinion. Others argue that the Court is too deferential to the political branches of government and that it has failed to adequately protect individual rights.

In recent years, the Court has been at the center of several controversial decisions, including Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010), which removed limits on campaign spending by corporations and unions; Shelby County v. Holder (2013), which struck down key provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965; and Obergefell v. Hodges (2015), which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court of the United States is a central institution in American law and politics. Its decisions have shaped the course of the nation’s history, and its justices have often been at the center of legal and political debates. The Court’s role in interpreting the Constitution and protecting individual rights will continue to be a major issue in American society and politics for years to come.


Disclaimer
6do Encyclopedia represents the inaugural AI-driven knowledge repository, and we cordially invite all community users to collaborate and contribute to the enhancement of its accuracy and completeness.
Should you identify any inaccuracies or discrepancies, we respectfully request that you promptly bring these to our attention. Furthermore, you are encouraged to engage in dialogue with the 6do AI chatbot for clarifications.
Please be advised that when utilizing the resources provided by 6do Encyclopedia, users must exercise due care and diligence with respect to the information contained therein. We expressly disclaim any and all legal liabilities arising from the use of such content.

US judge strikes down federal law barring handgun sales to those under 21

Reuters

23-05-12 02:55


A federal judge in Virginia has ruled that laws that prohibit the sale of handguns to people under the age of 21 are unconstitutional. Judge Robert Payne, of the US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia issued the decision, noting that the statutes and regulations in question were not consistent with the United States’ history and tradition, and so could not stand. The Justice Department is expected to challenge the ruling, which will not come into effect until Payne issues his final order. The ruling will not impact the 19 states that already have their own laws banning sales of handguns to people under 21.

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-judge-strikes-down-federal-law-barring-handgun-sales-those-under-21-2023-05-12/
Judge rejects bid to disqualify JPMorgan law firm in Epstein litigation

The Globe and Mail

23-05-12 01:44


A judge has rejected a request to disqualify WilmerHale from defending JPMorgan Chase in a lawsuit brought by women over Jeffrey Epstein's alleged sex trafficking and the bank's alleged aid of such trafficking. The request was made by Brad Edwards, representing Epstein accusers in the class action against JPMorgan. WilmerHale had previously represented the anti-sex trafficking group ECPAT-USA, which supported an ultimately unsuccessful bid by one of Epstein's accusers to void a 2007 agreement padding out Epstein from federal prosecution. Epstein was a JPMorgan client from 1998 to 2013.

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-judge-rejects-bid-to-disqualify-jpmorgan-law-firm-in-epstein/
Ramaswamy proposes raising voting age to 25, unless people serve in military or pass a test

The Independent

23-05-12 01:04


Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has called for an amendment to the US Constitution to change the minimum voting age to 25, though people aged 18 to 25 would be able to cast votes if they passed a citizenship test or completed six months of service as a first responder or in the military. The 26th Amendment lowered the minimum federal voting age from 21 to 18 in 1971.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/ap-congress-columbia-republican-asa-hutchinson-b2337422.html
First Nations coalition asks Ottawa to delay bill that would recognize Métis group

The Globe and Mail

23-05-12 00:51


A coalition of First Nations is calling on the Canadian government to delay its recognition of the self-governing Métis Nation of Ontario bill, claiming that the bill has made false claims about the existence of historical Métis communities in Ontario. The Temagami First Nation, Robinson-Huron Waawiindamaagewin, and the Chiefs of Ontario have cited two recent reports that claim that the Métis Nation of Ontario's claims to historical communities have no validity. The bill was confirmed by Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Marc Miller in February.

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-first-nations-coalitions-request-for-ottawa-to-pause-on-metis-bill/
Judge rejects bid to disqualify JPMorgan's law firm in Epstein litigation

Reuters

23-05-12 00:43


A US federal judge has dismissed a request to disqualify WilmerHale as law firm for JP Morgan Chase against a lawsuit by women claiming to have been abused by Jeffrey Epstein. The women allege that the bank aided Epstein's sex trafficking efforts. Judge Jed Rakoff stated that there was no conflict of interest as WilmerHale once represented an anti-sex trafficking group that supported one of Epstein's accusers. Rakoff added that JP Morgan would suffer "great prejudice" if it was disqualified five months prior to the trial. Wilmington is also representing JP Morgan in a lawsuit launched by the US Virgin Islands, where Epstein allegedly abused women on one of his private islands.

https://www.reuters.com/legal/judge-rejects-bid-disqualify-jpmorgans-law-firm-epstein-litigation-2023-05-12/
Ukraine authorities expose piles of cash in Supreme Court corruption probe

Reuters

23-05-16 00:28


The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) said it is investigating large-scale bribery in the Ukrainian Supreme Court system but did not name anyone suspected of wrongdoing. NABU did release a photograph of wads of dollars placed neatly on a sofa, however. Online publications Dzerkalo Tyzhnia and Ukrayinska Pravda said but did not name officials who reported that Supreme Court Chief Justice Vsevolod Kniaziev had been detained over suspicions he accepted a bribe of $3m. The money was believed to come from supporters of a court decision in April favouring Kostyantyn Zhevago’s pellet producer, Ferrexpo Plc.

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-authorities-expose-piles-cash-supreme-court-corruption-probe-2023-05-16/
US Supreme Court sides with Alabama inmate who seeks to die by nitrogen hypoxia

The Toronto Star

23-05-15 23:40


The US Supreme Court has sided with a death row inmate in Alabama who requested he be executed by nitrogen hypoxia instead of lethal injection. Alabama has approved nitrogen hypoxia as a method of execution, but has not carried out an execution using it. The state attorney general appealed a decision supporting the inmate, arguing that a claim of an alternative method must demonstrate that it is not only feasible, but also readily available. The inmate, Kenneth Eugene Smith, made the request due to concerns over previous state executions, with his team describing previous attempts to execute him as botched.

https://www.thestar.com/news/world/us/2023/05/15/us-supreme-court-sides-with-alabama-inmate-who-seeks-to-die-by-nitrogen-hypoxia.html
US Senate confirms Biden nominee as DC Circuit's 1st Latino judge

Reuters

23-05-15 23:07


Bradley Garcia has become the first Latino to serve on the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit, following his confirmation by the Senate. Garcia, a former lawyer at O'Melveny & Myers and current member of the US Justice Department, was nominated by President Joe Biden and approved by a vote of 53-40. Senators Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, who are Republicans, voted in his favor. The DC Circuit court is considered the second most important federal court in the US, after the US Supreme Court.

https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/us-senate-confirms-biden-nominee-dc-circuits-1st-latino-judge-2023-05-15/
Court order that could end US health law’s preventative care mandate put on hold

The Toronto Star

23-05-15 22:44


The 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals has issued an “administrative stay” on a federal judge’s decision striking down the part of the Affordable Care Act that requires preventative healthcare coverage from most insurers, including cancer and HIV screenings and vaccines. The decision is in response to a request for a stay by the Biden administration, as it appeals the ruling. The administration has said that the judgement would impact 150 million people and leave them vulnerable to denying care. Earlier this year, US District Judge Reed O’Connor had ruled that most insurers could no longer be mandated to cover preventive care, in a victory for plaintiffs who opposed such healthcare. O’Connor had also previously ruled that the entire healthcare law was unconstitutional in a decision that was later reversed by the US Supreme Court. The present appeal is in its early stages, with a date for arguments pending.

https://www.thestar.com/news/world/us/2023/05/15/appeals-court-puts-brakes-on-order-that-could-end-us-health-laws-preventative-care-mandate.html
Races for 4 court seats, including 1 on Supreme Court, lead statewide Pennsylvania primary ballots

The Toronto Star

23-05-16 05:14


Pennsylvania’s primary election will decide on nominees for four statewide judicial posts, including one on the Supreme Court. Democrats hold a 4-2 majority on the state’s highest court, which has weighed in on voting rights, abortion rights and gun rights. Running on the Democratic ticket are Dan McCaffery of Philadelphia and Deborah Kunselman of Beaver County, with Republicans fielding Carolyn Carluccio, a Montgomery County judge, and Patricia McCullough, a judge on the Commonwealth Court.

https://www.thestar.com/news/world/us/2023/05/16/races-for-4-court-seats-including-1-on-supreme-court-lead-statewide-pennsylvania-primary-ballots.html
Perth contracts manager forced to pay billionaire former boss’ legal bill

The Age

23-05-16 04:16


Steven Pigozzo, former contracts manager of Mineral Resources owned by billionaire Chris Ellison, has been ordered by the Federal Court to pay at least half of Ellison and Mineral Resources’ legal bills. Pigozzo, who has been accused of insider trading, misusing confidential information and pocketing commissions, previously filed a lawsuit against the firm and Ellison. The recent decision marks the latest development in a legal battle that has lasted over a year and has seen several of Pigozzo's claims struck out on the basis of ambiguity or legal privilege.

https://www.theage.com.au/national/western-australia/perth-contracts-manager-forced-to-pay-billionaire-former-boss-legal-bill-20230516-p5d8rg.html
3 judges who chipped away abortion rights to hear federal abortion pill appeal

The Independent

23-05-16 04:04


Three conservative judges with a staunch history against abortion will hear appeals on whether mifepristone, a widely used abortion drug, should remain available. Conservative Judge Jennifer Walker Elrod, who was nominated by former President George W. Bush in 2007, Judge James Ho, a former Texas solicitor general nominated by Donald Trump in 2017, and Judge Cory Wilson, a former Mississippi appeals court judge nominated by Donald Trump in 2020, all hold anti-abortion records. Their decision is expected to go to the US Supreme Court for appeal, regardless of the outcome.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/ap-texas-food-and-drug-administration-new-orleans-donald-trump-b2339513.html
Japan’s top pop agency apologizes for alleged sexual abuse by late founder

CNN

23-05-16 08:22


Japan's biggest music agency, Johnny & Associates, has issued a rare apology over allegations of sexual abuse by its founder, the late entertainment mogul Johnny Kitagawa. The talent management firm has been facing calls for a full investigation into accusations of sexual misconduct dating back decades. Johnny & Associates issued a statement acknowledging the allegations. However, the agency stopped short of promising to conduct an investigation. Recently, Japanese music fans have called on the firm to set up an independent committee to probe the allegations. Julie Fujishima, the company’s president and CEO said the company had decided against creating such a committee, instead, the company will provide a point of contact for victims who have already come forward and wish to receive counseling services in future. During his career, Kitagawa headed Japan’s biggest talent agency and was known for setting up popular boy bands and launching the music and acting careers of teen idols. He was a powerful figure in the media and entertainment industries for decades.

https://edition.cnn.com/2023/05/16/media/japan-kitagawa-jpop-agency-sexual-abuse-apology-intl-hnk/index.html
‘Piles of cash’: Ukrainian Supreme Court named in corruption probe

The Sydney Morning Herald

23-05-16 08:18


The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) is investigating corruption in the country’s judicial system, including large sums of money paid to judges to rule in favour of particular individuals and corporations. Two courts have been searched and 22 judges questioned as part of the investigation. A photograph of dollar bills on a sofa were displayed on NABU’s Facebook page following investigations by NABU and the office of the Special Anti-corruption Prosecutor. The exposure of corruption marks a key moment in Ukraine's judicial cleansing, launched in 2014 after pro-Western protests caused the removal of President Viktor Yanukovych.

https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/piles-of-cash-ukrainian-supreme-court-named-in-corruption-probe-20230516-p5d8u0.html
America is hurt by its debt ceiling theatre of the absurd

Financial Times

23-05-16 13:19


The possibility of the US defaulting on its debts makes world leaders “look at the US and see a damning portrait. In this broken system, many elected officials do not respect the results of a presidential election and permit policy and ideological differences to stand in the way of honouring the government’s financial obligations”, warns an op-ed in The Financial Times. The editorial notes that the US needs a long-term solution where debt ceiling theatrics are replaced with coherent long-term budgeting. It highlights the fact that efforts by Democratic presidents to lower prospective deficits in the past have merely allowed Republicans to slash taxes when they returned to power; and that the Republicans are using threats of default to achieve cuts in spending and taxes rather than in deficits, for which they have been unable to secure decisive electoral victories. This in turn, makes it increasingly more likely that the crash will eventually happen.

https://www.ft.com/content/05c42080-e3d9-4d3c-8651-e40c548efaa3
Congress banned Russian oil and gas imports. Will uranium be next?

Washington Post

23-05-16 11:22


Legislation to ban imports of Russian uranium is gaining momentum on Capitol Hill as lawmakers seek to cut Russia out of the US nuclear fuel supply chain. Congress recently acted to ban Russian oil and gas imports but blocking uranium imports will be harder as 20% of US nuclear fuel comes from Russia. The United States is the world's largest user of nuclear power, and such dependence is a conundrum for lawmakers who want to combat climate change and decrease US dependence on foreign adversaries. The Senate version of the Prohibiting Russian Uranium Imports Act bill has garnered strong bipartisan support, reflecting unease over the fact that Russia ranks as the world’s biggest supplier of enriched uranium. Moscow’s state-owned nuclear power conglomerate, Rosatom, has earned billions from US and European customers, yet reports suggest it has also been working to supply the Russian arms industry with components and technology.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/05/16/congress-banned-russian-oil-gas-imports-will-uranium-be-next/
Head of Ukraine's Supreme Court detained - anti-corruption prosecutor

Reuters

23-05-16 10:50


The head of Ukraine's Supreme Court has been arrested in a bribery investigation. The individual in question was not named and has not yet received an official notice of suspicion, according to the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO). The arrest comes a day after the SAPO and the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine claimed to have uncovered "large-scale corruption" at the court. A photograph of neatly arranged piles of dollars was circulated along with the announcement.

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/head-ukraines-supreme-court-detained-anti-corruption-prosecutor-2023-05-16/
Tory MP attacks ‘sugar-free conservatism’ and ‘overwhelming population growth’

The Independent

23-05-16 10:12


Senior Conservative MP Sir John Hayes has called for the party to abandon “sugar-free conservatism” defined by “lonely individualism and selfish materialism” and instead embrace an “authentic” form of the doctrine. Addressing the National Conservatism conference in Westminster, Hayes warned of a “widening chasm between the people of Britain and the elite who profess to serve them” and called for increased conservatism to deal with issues including the threat to public services posed by “overwhelming” population growth. Hayes chairs the “anti-woke” Common Sense Group of Conservative MPs and is a key ally of former Home Secretary Suella Braverman.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/john-hayes-suella-braverman-britain-home-secretary-lincolnshire-b2339716.html
North Carolina lawmakers to vote on overriding veto of 12-week abortion ban

Reuters

23-05-16 10:09


North Carolina's Republican-controlled state legislature is set to vote on overriding Democratic Governor Roy Cooper's veto of a bill that would ban most abortions after 12 weeks. Unless one Republican lawmaker breaks ranks and votes to uphold the veto, the bill is expected to become law. The measure would cut the window for most abortions in the state back from 20 weeks and curtail access to the procedure for millions of women across the US South where a number of states have greatly restricted abortions.

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/north-carolina-lawmakers-vote-overriding-veto-12-week-abortion-ban-2023-05-16/