The Importance Of The Supreme Court

The Supreme Court is essential to the United States government, even more so, the judicial branch. The Supreme Court aids in protecting the Constitution of the United States, and as a result, protects the American people’s liberties.

From 1789 to now, United States Presidents have appointed the Justices of the Supreme Court. Since 1869, there have been only nine Justices; one Chief Justice, and eight Associate Justices, all which have the responsibility of reviewing and discussing the cases appealed to the Supreme Court. Serving now as the Chief Justice is John Robert, who started as an Associate Justice for 2 years before selected as Chief Justice, the position he has held for 9 years. Associate Justices include Antonin Scalia of 28 years; Anthony Kennedy of 27 years; Clarence Thomas of 23 years; Ruth Bader Ginsburg of 21 years; Stephen Breyer of 21 years; Samuel Alito of 9 years; Sonia Sotomayor of 6 years; and Elena Kagan of 5 years (http://www.supremecourt.gov/about/biographies.aspx).

According to the duties found under the works of Article III, the judicial branch deals with defining laws and protecting the Constitution. Section 1 of Article III creates the Supreme Court, “The Judicial Power of the United States shall be vested in one supreme Court”. The Supreme Court is the paramount court, its role in the government is to take the appeals from the subordinate courts who are hoping to overturn the court’s decision, and construe and resolve any confusion of laws regarding the Constitution