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The Supreme Court and the United States

April 2005

April 2005

The ultimate interpreter of American law and the American Constitution itself is the United States Supreme Court. Nearly 220 years old, the Court has grown dramatically in stature and authority. Its authority to invalidate as unconstitutional actions of the legislative and executive branches now is long settled. Americans may disagree with the Court's decisions, but defying the Court is simply beyond the bounds of political, even social, legitimacy.

We present a collection of essays in this journal that explain how the Court functions. They also illustrate how it commands the respect of Americans and plays a vital role in the constitutional system.

More Coverage

U.S. Government

A resilient balance of institutions

Translations

Inside This Publication

Volume 10, Number 1

From The Editors

About This Issue
Introduction
Hon. William H. Rehnquist, Chief Justice of the United States

Feature Stories

"To Say What the Law Is": The Supreme Court as Arbiter of Constitutionality
The Supreme Court has assumed a leading role in ensuring the rule of law in the United States.
The Supreme Court: A Unique Institution
The Constitutional provisions establishing the Supreme Court afford it the adaptability required to address contemporary issues, controversies, and needs.
"I Do Solemnly Swear"
The appointment of a Supreme Court justice involves legal, political, and personal considerations, but the typical result is an independent-minded justice.
The Writ of Certiorari: Deciding Which Cases to Review
The Supreme Court chooses most of its docket by means of the writ of certiorari; Americans from all walks of life can petition the Court for such a writ.
Working Behind the Scenes
Personal accounts by four Court officers who help the justices do their jobs: the Clerk of the Court, the Court Marshal, the Reporter of Decisions, and the Public Information Officer.

In Depth

Arguing Brown

The legendary civil rights advocate recounts his experience arguing the landmark Brown v. Board of Education litigation before the Supreme Court.

Landmark Decisions

Capsule summaries of some of the Court's most memorable and significant cases:
Marbury V. Madison (1803)
Gibbons V. Ogden (1824)
National Labor Relations Board V. Jones & Laughlin Steel Corp. (1937)
Brown V. Board Of Education (1954)
Gideon V. Wainwright (1963)
Miranda V. Arizona (1966)
New York Times Co. V. Sullivan (1964)

Photo Gallery

Portrait of Justices of the U.S. Supreme Court

Meet the nine members of the U.S. Supreme Court in 2005

Additional Resources

Biblography

Internet Resources

Audio

For audio of arguments before the Supreme Court, visit "Oyez: U.S. Supreme Court Multimedia."