Blog #2 Supreme Court

 

• What did you learn about the Supreme Court that you didn't already know?
• Watching both videos as well as reading the article I learned a lot of new things about the Supreme Court. Some early historical facts about the Supreme Court such that it was established in 1789 by Article Three of the U.S. Constitution. The Supreme Court's first decision was West v. Barnes on August 3rd, 1791. Also, until 1891 justices had to hold circuit court duties twice a year, this is an interesting historical detail. 

• What is the most important takeaway point about the Supreme Court?
• The most important takeaway point about the Supreme Court is that the case they are hearing matters to them and the country as a whole. The Supreme Court receives 7000 petitions each year and they only accept 100-150 of those cases. Each case they accept determines an outcome that will alter the way future cases proceed and are handled.

• What was the most surprising thing you learned?
• The most surprising thing I learned was when in the video former Justice Sandra Day O'Connor talks about how unique it is that the Supreme Court gives " the same individual consideration" for petitions from prisoners and high-end legal counsels. This shows the Supreme Court gives equal treatment to everyone who comes into their court and they are shown fairness and deep consideration for each party.

                                    

• How did the video change the way you thought of the Supreme Court?
• The video made me realize how intense and impactful the Supreme Court is. Once a decision is made the chief justice must write the opinion in explicit detail because once it's released it will affect all future cases they rule moving forward. As well as being used to determine case outcomes in lower court because they can use the case as an example.