Supreme Court and Judicial Process

Exam Schedule

• Date: Next Wednesday

• Exam Type: Unit One Exam 2

• Discussion Sections: No discussion sections on Friday following the exam

• Grading Timeline: Expect scores to be released relatively quickly, but delays may occur due to the fall break

Academic Advising

• Spring Schedule: Make sure to check the spring class schedule

• Advising Meetings: Schedule meetings with academic advisors early to discuss course enrollment as schedules may fill up quickly

Chapter 15 Overview

• Focus on vocabulary and the process involving the U.S. Supreme Court

  • Discussion of the historical significance of the Supreme Court's role in the U.S. Constitution

  • The physical and symbolic elevation of the Supreme Court in American politics

Separation of Powers

• Branches of Government: Discussion centers on Congress, the presidency, and the courts

  • Supreme Court’s role in resolving disputes between states and the federal government

  • Final arbiter of the law: the Supreme Court supersedes decisions made by Congress and the Executive Branch

  • Importance of the Supreme Court in high-profile disputes and its influence in American governance

Symbolism and Authority of the Supreme Court

• Description of courtroom aesthetics and their symbolic representation of judicial authority

• The Supreme Court as a non-political institution meant to adjudicate laws irrespective of political affiliation

• Example: The Supreme Court’s involvement in the controversial 2000 presidential election in Florida

Public Perception and Judicial Review

• Historical confidence in the Supreme Court despite contentious decisions (e.g., presidential elections, civil rights issues)

• Importance of certain landmark cases in shaping public policy (e.g., abortion rights, immigration, etc.)

• Discussion of the current polarized political climate and its implications for the role of the Supreme Court

Types of Law

• Criminal Law vs. Civil Law

  • Criminal law: Involves cases requiring proof beyond a reasonable doubt

  • Civil law: Involves cases requiring a preponderance of the evidence, generally easier to win

  • Both types of law can impact public policy and individual rights

• Public Law: Defined as the use of courts to influence laws via activist efforts

Historical Court Cases

• Brown v. Board of Education: Consolidation of cases to challenge racial segregation in schools

• Significance of Activism: Activism plays a key role in changing public laws by garnering support from the Supreme Court

Judicial Structure

• Trial Courts vs. Appellate Courts:

  • Trial Courts: Original jurisdiction, includes jury boxes and witness stands.

  • Appellate Courts: Reviews trial court decisions, relies solely on written briefs and no new evidence.

• Federal vs. State Courts: Differing procedures and jurisdiction

Supreme Court Procedures

• Accessing the Supreme Court: Importance of federal questions for cases to be heard at the Supreme Court level

• Decision-Making Process: Includes detailed scrutiny of arguments and precedents

• Certiorari Process: Rule of Four: Requires four justices to agree to hear a case

Amicus Curiae Briefs

• Concept of "friend of the court" briefs used to provide additional perspectives and expertise in cases before the Supreme Court

• Historical significance in legal decisions, particularly regarding public policy

Justices and Their Influence

• Role of clerks in case selection and preparation of opinions

• The internal dynamics of justices during deliberation and opinion writing

• Example: Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s influence during the Supreme Court’s liberal era

Significant Supreme Court Cases and Decisions

• Marbury v. Madison: Established the principle of judicial review

• Impact of judicial decisions over time on American civil rights and laws

• Notable cases that represent shifts in legal thinking over the decades

Supreme Court's Role in Society

• Impact of Supreme Court decisions on major societal issues (abortion, immigration, etc.)

• Judicial activism vs. restraint discussed in the context of public opinion and subsequent legislation

Closing Discussion and Queries

• The role of party politics in the legislative process, especially regarding amendments and bill discussions

• Differences between gerrymandering and congressional apportionment

  • Apportionment: Redistribution of seats based on census data every ten years

  • Gerrymandering: Drawing district lines for political advantage, independent of population changes

Other Important Notes

• Discussion regarding Pennsylvania's electoral maps and the associated legal challenges

• Understanding the complexities and intricacies involved in legislative and judicial processes