The U.S Supreme Court

    Although the Supreme Court's existence is well known, are we all aware of its functions? I was always aware of the Supreme Court as a child, and in the eighth grade, I traveled to Washington, D.C. I gained a lot of knowledge about the government, but I never really understood the Supreme Court's structure. I am aware that it determines the applicability of laws, their meaning, and their application. I was aware that they could review, appeal, and pass laws. I was able to gain a better knowledge of the Supreme Court's structures after seeing videos one and two. 

What did you learn about the Supreme Court that you didn't already know?

    The Supreme Court has one chief justice and eight associate justices that go over cases usually on appeal. Justices hold their positions until they die or retire. The justices in our current Supreme Court are  "Sonia Sotomayor, Clarence Thomas, Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., Samuel A. Alito, Jr., Elena Kagan, Amy Coney Barrett, Neil M. Gorsuch, Brett M. Kavanaugh, and Ketanji Brown Jackson." When meeting one another, each justice shakes another justices hand to show that there will be no grudges or bitterness. Also the justices have a saying "everyone speaks once before someone speaks twice" to show how every justice has an opinion that would like to be heard. Soon after hearing arguments, they assemble to determine a case. One of the majority side's justices must prepare an opinion outlining the decision's legal justifications.

What is the most important take-away point about the Supreme Court?

    The Supreme Court is the highest government in the United States. The Supreme Court hears appeal cases that will relate to the Constitution and they have the ability to prevent laws that are unconstitutional. 

What was the most surprising thing you learned?

    I never realized how there is a majority and a minority when it comes to deciding on a law. The majority is assigned one justice to draft an opinion piece. Justices in the minority section have the right to still discuss and write the opposite opinions to share. Once the opinion is drafted from the majority, it can be sent out to the justices to gain feedback and criticisms. 

How did the video change the way you thought of the Supreme Court?

    I think very highly of the Supreme Court. Many cases are heard each day and they are up to the nine Supreme Court justices. I realized that the justices are very dedicated and have a passion for what they do. They are intellectual, knowledgeable, and know the Constitution well. The commitment they have each day is unbelievable to hear and read about.