Supreme Court Reflection

The Supreme Court of the United States 
is the most powerful court in the world, carrying major cases. 

As I learned from this documentary about the Supreme Court, when we think of major national debates on rights, laws, and the Constitution, we often picture protests, Congress, or the media. But some of the most important questions in American life are actually argued in a much quieter place, the courtroom of the United States Supreme Court.

I have always been fascinated with power and, as someone who’s always been fascinated by how power works in a democracy, I find the Supreme Court especially compelling. It’s not just another branch of government; it's the most powerful judicial body in the country. And yet, it operates with a kind of calm intensity, like the eye of a storm.

The Court interprets a Constitution that’s over 200 years old. That’s no small task. With more than a hundred justices having served since its founding, the Court’s makeup has often reflected the mood and values of the nation—though the public no longer has a direct say in who sits on the bench.

When the federal government moved to Washington, D.C., the Supreme Court followed, and under Chief Justice John Marshall, it began to earn the respect of the public. That respect was tested again just two decades later, as the Court faced new and complex issues.

John Marshall

Today, the Court receives around 7,000 petitions each year—but only hears about 100. That’s a tiny fraction. Each case that makes it through is carefully chosen. The justices meet weekly to decide which ones are worth their time and attention.

Once a case is accepted, both sides get just 30 minutes to argue. That’s it. No do-overs. And oral arguments matter—a lot. After hearing the arguments, the justices meet in private to discuss and eventually vote. Drafting and revising opinions can take months.

The term ends in late June, and that’s when the public finally hears the Court’s decisions. It’s a dramatic moment, even if it doesn’t always look like one.

In a world of noise and speed, the Supreme Court remains deliberate, quiet, and immensely powerful. And that, to me, is what makes it so fascinating.