Intro; Supreme Court

What is the Supreme Court?

America is massive. The country has over 320 million people i.e you can comfortably fit in the whole population of the UK five times. Each state operates like its own little country with its own laws and unique culture. It is home to global giants such as Google, Walmart, Apple and IBM and the economy is worth well over $17,000,000,000,000 and counting. America is BIG and America is diverse

So of course, in such an environment it is natural to expect conflicts of interest and thus, arguments. Arguments between people, arguments between firms, arguments between Obama and Arizona...

And that's why there is a judicial system in place - to resolve these disputes. For example, if your neighbour's dog bites you, you limp to the local trial courts. If dissatisfied, you can progress to appellate courts and in very serious cases, the Supreme Court. 

The Supreme Court can decide to reject cases it does not want to hear. When it accepts a case, it uses a process called 'judicial review', where the Justices determine whether the Constitution is in favour of the case.

Formal definition; Judicial review is a process where Justices determine the constitutionality of the actions of lower courts, the executive and legislature



In A2, you're likely to get questions relating to the philosophy, neutrality and independence of the Supreme Court.


Also don't forget that A2 is synoptic i.e the Supreme Court is relevant to every other topic both in Unit 3C and 4C

In fact, here's a useful tip. If you're ever stuck on a question, just think 'Hmmm, what is the role of the Supreme Court here?'

That would give you at least one solid paragraph, and you only need 3 in a 15 marker.