Supreme Court

Question #1: What did you learn about the Supreme Court that you didn't already know?

I learned that the Supreme Court operates under three Bedrock Principles that I wasn’t fully aware of. The first principle is that the First Amendment is not absolute, meaning there are limits to freedom of speech, even though it is a fundamental right. The second principle is that the First Amendment is not a shield against laws of general applicability, which means that laws that apply to everyone don’t necessarily violate the First Amendment. Lastly, I found out that freedom of the press is considered a fundamental personal right, not just an institutional one. This means that individual journalists are entitled to the same protections as the press as a whole, which I didn’t realize before. These principles were eye-opening because they help clarify the balance the Court seeks to maintain between individual rights and broader legal concerns.

Question #2: What is the most important take-away point about the Supreme Court?

One of the most important takeaways about the Supreme Court is the concept of judicial review. John Marshall, the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, was crucial in establishing this power through the landmark case Marbury v. Madison. Judicial review allows the Court to review laws and executive actions to ensure they align with the Constitution, and if not, they have the authority to strike them down. This process plays a critical role in maintaining the balance of power in our government, as it gives the judiciary the ability to act as a check on both the executive and legislative branches. It also reinforces the idea of checks and balances that is central to our democratic system. Without judicial review, the Constitution could be undermined by unconstitutional laws or executive orders, and this was something I didn’t fully grasp before.

Question #3: What was the most surprising thing you learned?

One of the most surprising things I learned was that there was a time in U.S. history when it was actually a crime to print, publish, or utter any false, malicious, or scandalous writing against the government. This law was put in place by President John Adams and the Federalist Congress in 1798 through the Alien and Sedition Acts. The acts were designed to suppress political dissent and limit the power of the opposition party. Learning about this made me realize just how much the balance between freedom of speech and governmental power has evolved throughout U.S. history. It was shocking to think that for a period, criticizing the government could result in criminal charges, especially in a nation that later became a champion of free speech.

Question #4: How did the video change the way you thought of the Supreme Court?

The video made me think much more in-depth about the Supreme Court and its role in shaping American law and society. Before, I had a general understanding of the Court’s basic functions, but I never really considered how much power it has in terms of maintaining the integrity of the Constitution. I also didn’t fully understand how significant John Marshall’s role was in establishing judicial review. Learning about this pivotal moment in history made me realize just how important the Court is—not just in interpreting laws, but in actively protecting constitutional rights and ensuring that no branch of government can overstep its bounds. The video also showed me how the Court has evolved over time and how its decisions continue to impact our society today, deepening my appreciation for its role in our democracy.