The Role of Judiciary and Civil Rights in American History

The film produced by the Annenberg Foundation Trust at Sunnylands emphasizes the importance of citizenship and the historical struggle for civil rights in America. The narrative begins with Ernest Green, who on May 27, 1958, became the first African-American graduate of Little Rock Central High School amidst significant threats of violence and opposition. His graduation was made possible through a combination of federal support, including the National Guard, the enforcement of Supreme Court decisions, and a profound courage on his part, showcasing the challenges faced by African Americans in the pursuit of their rights.

The film then invokes the theme of judicial independence as essential for upholding constitutional rights. The narrator highlights how the framers of the Constitution established three branches of government—executive, legislative, and judicial—with the judiciary, as outlined in Article III, designed to be independent. Justice Stephen Breyer explains that judges are to serve for life, maintaining autonomy from political pressures, which is crucial for ensuring impartiality and justice. This independence is underscored with examples from history, including the landmark Supreme Court decision of Marbury v. Madison, which established the principle of judicial review, allowing courts to declare laws unconstitutional and asserting their role as a check on legislative and executive powers.

The film recalls the historical context of the 1830s, particularly the rulings in favor of the Cherokee Nation that were ignored by President Andrew Jackson. Jackson’s defiance of the Supreme Court established a precedent for political disregard of judicial authority, leading to his policies that culminated in the forced removal of the Cherokee people—an event now known as the Trail of Tears. This point illustrates the grave consequences when judicial independence is compromised, as the lack of enforcement of the Court's rulings led to dire outcomes for thousands.

Fast-forwarding to the 1950s, the film recounts the resistance faced by the Little Rock Nine, a group of African American students who attempted to integrate Central High School in Arkansas following the Supreme Court's ruling in Brown v. Board of Education. Despite the clear constitutional mandate that segregation was unconstitutional, Governor Orval Faubus deployed the National Guard to prevent their entry. This actions prompted President Eisenhower to intervene, illustrating the necessity of federal authority to uphold the law in the face of local defiance. Eisenhower’s decision to send federal troops to enforce the Supreme Court’s ruling marked a significant moment in American history, reaffirming the principle that the Constitution must be upheld, regardless of popular sentiment.

Ultimately, the film concludes with Ernest Green's graduation, a symbolic victory for civil rights that also highlights ongoing struggles against racism and inequality. The struggle for judicial independence and adherence to constitutional rights continues to shape the American legal landscape. By examining these historical events, the film reinforces the critical role an independent judiciary plays in protecting minority rights and maintaining the rule of law, emphasizing that while progress has been made, work remains to ensure justice and equality for all citizens of the United States.