Why Are There 9 Supreme Court Justices? A Historical and Constitutional Explanation

The number of justices on the U.S. Supreme Court—nine—is not set by the Constitution, but it has become one of the most recognizable features of the American judicial system. This number is the result of evolving legislation, political compromise, and judicial necessity. Understanding why there are nine justices today requires a look back at early…

Leser v. Garnett (1922): A Landmark Decision on Women’s Suffrage

The Supreme Court case Leser v. Garnett (1922) played a crucial role in affirming the legality of the Nineteenth Amendment, which granted women the right to vote. This ruling was not just a legal formality—it was a pivotal moment that reinforced the constitutional amendment process and ensured the nationwide enforcement of women’s suffrage. The case…

October 2, 1967: Thurgood Marshall’s Supreme Court Legacy Begins

On October 2, 1967, Thurgood Marshall made history by becoming the first African American Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court. His appointment by President Lyndon B. Johnson was a significant milestone in the nation’s ongoing struggle for racial equality. Marshall’s long career as a civil rights attorney, combined with his profound influence on…

Judicial Branch Overview

Article III of the US Constitution establishes the judicial branch. However, it only creates the Supreme Court and allows Congress to establish other courts that might be needed. One of the first acts of the Senate was the Federal Judiciary Act (1789), establishing the Judiciary that we know it today. This act included describing the…

Federal Judicial System

The judicial branch’s role is to interpret the laws, ensure that the laws are fairly enforced, and provide a means for resolving disputes between private parties or determining the guilt or innocence of individuals accused of crimes. The federal court system, created by Article III of the U.S. Constitution, includes the Supreme Court, Circuit Courts…

Dual Court System

The dual court system refers to the coexistence of two separate court systems in the United States: the federal and state court systems. While the federal court system has jurisdiction over cases that involve federal law, the state court system has jurisdiction over cases that involve state law. Most legal disputes in the U.S. arise…