The Dominance of the Supreme Court in US Political Debates: A Historical Perspective
TL/DR –
The US Supreme Court, designed to be immune to political pressures, has seen its role change recently, with its influence on the country’s politics increasing. The court’s nine justices have lifetime appointments and are not elected. In its 2023-2024 term, the Supreme Court ruled that ex-presidents, including Donald Trump, have wide-ranging immunity from prosecution for their actions while in office.
BBC News Article: US Supreme Court’s Evolving Role in National Politics
– By Bernd Debusmann Jr, BBC News, Washington
The US Supreme Court holds a significant majority of conservatives out of its nine justices. With decisions affecting civil rights, environmental issues, guns, and religious freedoms, it plays a substantial role in American life.
Changes in the role of the court are particularly noticeable with its justices – who are not elected and serve for life – wielding more influence in the nation’s politics. As another term approaches its end, the court has ruled that former presidents have a considerable (though not absolute) immunity against criminal prosecution relating to their time in office.
The justices interpret laws passed by Congress and whether they align with the US constitution. Despite receiving over 7,000 petitions per year, the Supreme Court only reviews about 100 cases annually. Justices are appointed by the president and then approved by the Senate, serving for life or until voluntary retirement. They can only be removed through impeachment, a very rare occurrence.
The current majority of conservative justices has resulted in recent decisions significantly altering the nation’s policies. For instance, they overturned previous rulings, nullified bans on certain gun accessories, and rejected abortion pill restrictions. They also weakened the powers of federal agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency.
The court has faced increasing accusations of politicization due to its monumental decisions. Last year, it enacted a code of conduct for the first time in its history. Even so, critics are calling for stronger reforms, suggesting term limits for justices and adding more justices, despite such proposals being mostly unpopular among Americans. However, these structural changes would likely require constitutional amendments and are unlikely to happen.
Structural stability is a crucial aspect for the Supreme Court, according to Clark Neily from the Cato Institute. While the institution will always generate controversy because of its final say on constitutional matters, no proposal seems likely to improve the current system.
—
Read More US Political News