Supreme Court of the United States

The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) is the highest court in the federal judiciary of the United States. It has ultimate appellate jurisdiction over all U.S. federal court cases, and over state court cases that turn on questions of U.S. constitutional or federal law. It also has original jurisdiction over a narrow range of cases, specifically "all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, and those in which a State shall be Party." The court holds the power of judicial review: the ability to invalidate a statute for violating a provision of the Constitution. It is also able to strike down presidential directives for violating either the Constitution or statutory law.
supreme-court-of-the-united-states

Some of the key events about Supreme Court of the United States

  • 1803
    Established the principle of judicial review in Marbury v. Madison case
  • 1819
    Affirmed the federal government's power to create a national bank in McCulloch v. Maryland
  • 1857
    Ruled that slaves were not citizens and could not sue in federal court in Dred Scott v. Sandford
  • 1857
    The Court ruled that African Americans were not citizens and had no standing to sue in federal court, effectively denying them basic rights.
  • 1896
    The Court upheld the constitutionality of racial segregation under the "separate but equal" doctrine.
  • 1905
    The Court struck down a New York law limiting working hours, hindering labor protections.
  • 1927
    The Court upheld a state's right to forcibly sterilize individuals deemed "unfit" without their consent.
  • 1944
    The Court upheld the constitutionality of Japanese American internment during World War II.
  • 1954
    Declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional in Brown v. Board of Education
  • 1963
    Established the right to counsel for criminal defendants in Gideon v. Wainwright
  • 1966
    Established Miranda rights for criminal suspects in Miranda v. Arizona
  • 1973
    Recognized a constitutional right to abortion in Roe v. Wade
  • 1974
    Ruled that the president is not above the law in United States v. Nixon
  • 1986
    The Court upheld the criminalization of private, consensual homosexual acts between adults.
  • 2000
    The Court's decision in Bush v. Gore effectively decided the presidential election, raising concerns about judicial overreach.
  • 2010
    The Court's Citizens United decision allowed unlimited corporate spending in elections, potentially increasing the influence of money in politics.
  • 2013
    The Court struck down key provisions of the Voting Rights Act, weakening federal oversight of state voting laws.
  • 2015
    Legalized same-sex marriage nationwide in Obergefell v. Hodges
  • 2020
    Extended federal anti-discrimination protections to LGBTQ+ employees in Bostock v. Clayton County
  • 2022
    The Court overturned Roe v. Wade, eliminating the federal constitutional right to abortion.

Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.

Supreme Court of the United States Latest news

Get ready: Expert explains what happens if Trump wins in 2024

Get ready: Expert explains what happens if Trump wins in 2024

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Maine makes history: Voters challenge super PAC money in politics

Maine makes history: Voters challenge super PAC money in politics

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Former president's next wave of judge picks could reshape US courts forever

Former president's next wave of judge picks could reshape US courts forever

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Left-wing voices push for Supreme Court shake-up before 2024 election

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10 states vote on abortion laws: See which proposals won and lost in latest polls

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Nevada takes first step to lock-in abortion rights, second vote coming in 2026

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How tiny voter groups now decide America's biggest political races

How tiny voter groups now decide America's biggest political races

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Harris and Trump show striking difference in policy clarity - who wins voter trust?

Harris and Trump show striking difference in policy clarity - who wins voter trust?

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US presidency report card: How Biden's big promises met real-world challenges

US presidency report card: How Biden's big promises met real-world challenges

November 5 2024 , 08:29 PM  •  501 views
Supreme Court makes quick decision about Pennsylvania voting just before election

Supreme Court makes quick decision about Pennsylvania voting just before election

November 1 2024 , 11:12 PM  •  8619 views
White House rule shifts: How US policy affects global healthcare choices

White House rule shifts: How US policy affects global healthcare choices

November 1 2024 , 10:34 PM  •  854 views
Gender battle heats up as Harris and Trump fight for different voter groups

Gender battle heats up as Harris and Trump fight for different voter groups

November 1 2024 , 07:35 PM  •  562 views
Expert reveals shocking truth about US political violence before crucial election

Expert reveals shocking truth about US political violence before crucial election

November 1 2024 , 02:21 PM  •  1492 views
Supreme Court allows Virginia to remove thousands from voter lists before election

Supreme Court allows Virginia to remove thousands from voter lists before election

October 30 2024 , 04:27 PM  •  917 views
Supreme Court's last-minute decision affects thousands of Virginia voters

Supreme Court's last-minute decision affects thousands of Virginia voters

October 30 2024 , 02:19 PM  •  1037 views
Arizona mom shares why state's abortion rights vote hits close to home

Arizona mom shares why state's abortion rights vote hits close to home

October 30 2024 , 10:09 AM  •  906 views
Federal election monitors face new roadblocks ahead of November vote

Federal election monitors face new roadblocks ahead of November vote

October 30 2024 , 10:06 AM  •  672 views
Last-minute twist: Harris makes bold pre-election pitch at historic DC location

Last-minute twist: Harris makes bold pre-election pitch at historic DC location

October 30 2024 , 03:29 AM  •  3210 views
Trump picks his defense lawyers for top Justice Department roles in 2025

Trump picks his defense lawyers for top Justice Department roles in 2025

In an un-precedented move former president announced plans to nominate his criminal defense team for key Justice Department positions. The nominations target three top-level roles if Trump wins next years election

Politics • November 18 2024 , 01:14 PM  •  445 views
Trump picks his own defense lawyers for top Justice Department positions

Trump picks his own defense lawyers for top Justice Department positions

Former president nominates three members of his legal team for key roles in future Justice Department setup. His picks include lawyers who defended him in recent legal cases and need Senate approval

Politics • November 15 2024 , 09:13 AM  •  2030 views
Republican control of Congress opens doors for dramatic policy shifts next year

Republican control of Congress opens doors for dramatic policy shifts next year

Republicans secured control of both congressional chambers for next year creating path for major tax-policy changes. Current divided government faces tight deadlines for funding and debt decisions before years end

Economics, Politics • November 14 2024 , 11:31 AM  •  1346 views
Time runs out: Biden's last chance to shape federal courts before power shift

Time runs out: Biden's last chance to shape federal courts before power shift

Senate faces tight deadline to confirm over 25 federal judge picks before presidential transition. Former president aims to block confirmations and repeat his success in reshaping courts

Society, Politics • November 13 2024 , 11:06 AM  •  3470 views
Judge puts Trump's hush-money case on hold as new president-elect seeks immunity

Judge puts Trump's hush-money case on hold as new president-elect seeks immunity

First-ever convicted US president gets temporary break in NY criminal case as judge delays immunity ruling. Prosecutors need extra time to figure out next steps after Trumpʼs election win

Society, Politics • November 12 2024 , 06:15 PM  •  1337 views
Senate power shift: Three-way battle shows deep split in Republican ranks

Senate power shift: Three-way battle shows deep split in Republican ranks

Republican senators prepare for a behind-closed-doors leadership vote that might reshape party direction. Three candidates compete to replace long-serving **Mitch McConnell** as social media buzzes with endorsements

Economics, Politics • November 12 2024 , 05:53 PM  •  1242 views
Louisiana judge blocks controversial religious display law in schools

Louisiana judge blocks controversial religious display law in schools

Federal court stops Louisianaʼs state-wide Ten Commandments display requirement in public schools. Nine families including religious leaders challenged the law which was signed last summer

Society, Politics • November 12 2024 , 03:51 PM  •  827 views
Supreme Court blocks ex-Trump aide's request in major Georgia legal case

Supreme Court blocks ex-Trump aide's request in major Georgia legal case

Supreme Court denied **Mark Meadows** attempt to move his Georgia case to federal jurisdiction. The case involves election-related charges from 2020‚ with implications for **Donald Trumpʼs** new term

Society, Politics • November 12 2024 , 03:06 PM  •  711 views
Latest House control battle and Supreme Court's decision on Meadows case

Latest House control battle and Supreme Court's decision on Meadows case

Political landscape shifts as House leadership remains undecided with multiple races still counting votes. Supreme Court makes key ruling about **Mark Meadows** Georgia case location

Politics • November 12 2024 , 03:02 PM  •  735 views
Judge to make crucial decision about Trump's hush money case this week

Judge to make crucial decision about Trump's hush money case this week

A New-York judge will soon decide if Trumpʼs criminal case needs dismissal based on the Supreme Courts recent immunity ruling. The choice could affect his upcoming White House return and three other pending cases

Society, Politics • November 10 2024 , 12:55 PM  •  2765 views
Get ready: Expert explains what happens if Trump wins in 2024

Get ready: Expert explains what happens if Trump wins in 2024

Political expert breaks down key changes that might happen after 2024 elections Looking at everything from trade wars to global alliances‚ this analysis shows why next year could be different.

Politics • November 8 2024 , 04:58 PM  •  689 views
Maine makes history: Voters challenge super PAC money in politics

Maine makes history: Voters challenge super PAC money in politics

Maine voters backed strict limits on political action committee funding this week. The groundbreaking decision puts $5‚000 cap on individual super PAC donations‚ setting up major court battle

Society, Politics • November 8 2024 , 07:50 AM  •  2357 views
Former president's next wave of judge picks could reshape US courts forever

Former president's next wave of judge picks could reshape US courts forever

A deep-dive into how judicial appointments might look different in a potential second term. With Republican Senate backing expected new nominees could push courts further to the right than before

Politics • November 7 2024 , 09:43 PM  •  3383 views
Left-wing voices push for Supreme Court shake-up before 2024 election

Left-wing voices push for Supreme Court shake-up before 2024 election

Progressive groups want Supreme Court Justice to step down while Democrats hold presidency. Their push comes from past experience when similar situation led to unexpected court position change

Society, Politics • November 6 2024 , 08:32 PM  •  767 views
10 states vote on abortion laws: See which proposals won and lost in latest polls

10 states vote on abortion laws: See which proposals won and lost in latest polls

Ten US states put abortion-related changes to vote in latest elections with mixed results. From Floridaʼs narrow miss to success in Arizona‚ the voting showed different approaches across the country

Society, Politics • November 6 2024 , 01:23 PM  •  2567 views
Nevada takes first step to lock-in abortion rights, second vote coming in 2026

Nevada takes first step to lock-in abortion rights, second vote coming in 2026

Nevada voters backed first round of constitutional protection for abortion access‚ but final approval needs second vote. Current state law from 34 years ago already allows procedures up-to 24 weeks

Society, Politics • November 6 2024 , 12:11 PM  •  373 views
How tiny voter groups now decide America's biggest political races

How tiny voter groups now decide America's biggest political races

Modern U. S elections dont follow the old pattern of clear-cut victories anymore. Todayʼs races are won by razor-thin margins in just a few key states‚ making every single vote more important than ever

Politics • November 6 2024 , 03:58 AM  •  1635 views
Harris and Trump show striking difference in policy clarity - who wins voter trust?

Harris and Trump show striking difference in policy clarity - who wins voter trust?

Media talks about policy details differently when it comes to **Kamala Harris** versus former president. While one stays vague on most topics the other shares clear views on key-issues like womens health

Society, Politics • November 6 2024 , 01:11 AM  •  932 views
US presidency report card: How Biden's big promises met real-world challenges

US presidency report card: How Biden's big promises met real-world challenges

From economic growth mixed with inflation troubles to major shifts in abortion rights and immigration policies‚ Bidens time in office shows complex outcomes. Foreign conflicts test US leadership role

Economics, Politics • November 5 2024 , 08:29 PM  •  501 views
Supreme Court makes quick decision about Pennsylvania voting just before election

Supreme Court makes quick decision about Pennsylvania voting just before election

Supreme Court rejected Republican attempt to block Pennsylvaniaʼs voting fix-it rule. State can now let voters fix their wrongly-submitted mail ballots during next weeks election

Society, Politics • November 1 2024 , 11:12 PM  •  8619 views
White House rule shifts: How US policy affects global healthcare choices

White House rule shifts: How US policy affects global healthcare choices

US foreign-aid policy on reproductive health keeps changing with each new administration. The rule affects healthcare access in countries that depend on American-funded medical programs

Society, Politics • November 1 2024 , 10:34 PM  •  854 views
Gender battle heats up as Harris and Trump fight for different voter groups

Gender battle heats up as Harris and Trump fight for different voter groups

The upcoming presidential race shows clear gender-based voting patterns in key states. Harris focuses on womenʼs issues while Trump targets male audiences through non-traditional media channels

Society, Politics • November 1 2024 , 07:35 PM  •  562 views
Expert reveals shocking truth about US political violence before crucial election

Expert reveals shocking truth about US political violence before crucial election

US faces highest level of political threats in decades as both sides show growing support for force. Recent data points to concerning shifts in public attitudes about using violence for political goals

Society, Politics • November 1 2024 , 02:21 PM  •  1492 views
Supreme Court allows Virginia to remove thousands from voter lists before election

Supreme Court allows Virginia to remove thousands from voter lists before election

Virginia got green light to take off 1‚600 suspected non-citizens from voting lists just days before election. Legal battle involves stateʼs new fast-track system to check voter citizenship status

Society, Politics • October 30 2024 , 04:27 PM  •  917 views
Supreme Court's last-minute decision affects thousands of Virginia voters

Supreme Court's last-minute decision affects thousands of Virginia voters

Virginia gets green light to remove questionable voter registrations just days before presidential election. Courtʼs ruling impacts about 1600 people whose citizenship status needs verification

Society, Politics • October 30 2024 , 02:19 PM  •  1037 views
Arizona mom shares why state's abortion rights vote hits close to home

Arizona mom shares why state's abortion rights vote hits close to home

A San Tan Valley resident explains her support for Arizonaʼs abortion-rights ballot measure after her own medical emergency. Her story connects personal health with state-wide voting rights

Society, Politics • October 30 2024 , 10:09 AM  •  906 views
Federal election monitors face new roadblocks ahead of November vote

Federal election monitors face new roadblocks ahead of November vote

DOJʼs traditional voting site monitoring program meets growing resistance from GOP representatives. Federal officials deal with fresh limitations on their ability to oversee polling stations

Politics • October 30 2024 , 10:06 AM  •  672 views
Last-minute twist: Harris makes bold pre-election pitch at historic DC location

Last-minute twist: Harris makes bold pre-election pitch at historic DC location

**Kamala Harris** delivered a key pre-election speech at the Ellipse‚ presenting her vision and plans for Americas future. Her message focused on protecting rights drawing clear differences with her opponent

Society, Politics • October 30 2024 , 03:29 AM  •  3210 views