The Supreme Court today still remains the most powerful Judicial Body world wide. It all started in 1789 with article 3 of the Constitution that granted Congress the right to create inferior federal courts. President George Washington signed the act that made the law official which stated that the Court would be made up of six justices that would serve until they died of retired. The Supreme Court had its first meeting on February 2nd, 1790 at the Merchants Exchange building in New York City where they discussed how everything would be run. The Government moved to Washington in 1801 where the Supreme Court was given temporary quarters in the unfinished capitol. John Marshall, who was a lawyer, was the first to be named Chief Justice. Under his power, the Supreme Court for the first time proved its powerful capability by striking down an act of Congress calling it unconstitutional. Because of Marshall, the Court was given its own building and gained respect from the public and Government as it is now looked at as a co-equal branch of Government. In 1831, the Court had its greatest self destructor that started with a man know as Dred Scott, a slave who self claimed freedom under an act of Congress run by Taney. The Court later stated that congress does not have the power to abolish slavery and that blacks could never be citizens which angered many with slavery being a sensitive point during that time, causing the courts authority to be plummet for years.
Today, the Court still looks at the traditions established by John Marshall in the Constitution to resolve any issues that arise and receive about a hundred cases a week whether it be a petition or a letter regarding an unjust ruling in a lower court. Initially, Americans did not want to accept the courts authority but after 200 years, they finally have come to that point of acceptance after realizing what is truly stands for and today the Court is well respected.
.
No comments:
Post a Comment