The Workings of the US Supreme Court

The US Supreme Court plays an imperative role in the checks and balances system of the United States. Understanding the role of the Supreme Court in upholding the rights of citizens is crucial for all individuals. 

Before this research, my understanding of the Supreme Court was limited. I understood that they were a part of our system for checks and balances, but did not grasp their true importance. After having watched the video, my misconceptions and novice knowledge towards the Court has expanded.

The concept that the first amendment is not absolute is not new to me, but remains stimulating due to its common misconception. Most people assume that the first amendment covers anything and everything that is said, but that is not true. Threats, libel, and incitement are examples of speech that are not covered, as the Supreme Court has made it clear that there are specific consequences to certain actionable comments. 

The most important takeaway from the video is the Supreme Court’s ability to interpret the amendments as they see fit. This equates the Court’s level of power to that of the congress as they are the lawmakers and the presidential administration as they execute them. Without the Court’s interpretation, they would not be of equal benefit. This interpretation is known as "Judicial Review", as seen on the US Courts' Website, under judicial review.

The Court’s interpretation leads to their integral perspective on the first amendment. They dictate what it means in a practical world, where individuals might attempt to work around the system. The Court’s interpretation of First Amendment rights does not bypass laws of general applicability. This means that individuals cannot use their rights as a way to not comply with the law. There are certain standards that must be met, and those are upheld through the Supreme Court.

The videos clarified my understanding of the Supreme Court, as it can be difficult to understand how their branch affects the citizens’ rights. But, by understanding their ability to interpret the amendments through real cases, it becomes clear how their role plays into the government. Now, I can be confident that the amendments serve the people in practical ways established through real events in our history.