Question

answer the question below. view the rubric linked above for help if needed.
identify and describe the duties of the united states supreme court. use evidence to support your answer.

Explanation:

• Judicial Review: The Marbury v. Madison case is a foundational example. Chief Justice John Marshall's opinion in this case established that the Supreme Court could strike down laws that violated the Constitution, giving the Court a unique check on the other branches of government.
• Appellate Jurisdiction: The discretionary nature of its appellate jurisdiction means it can focus on cases that will have a significant impact on the legal landscape. Cases like Brown v. Board of Education show how the Court can use its appellate power to address major social and legal issues.
• Original Jurisdiction: The limited original jurisdiction is based on the Constitution (Article III, Section 2), which outlines the types of cases the Court can hear first - hand. Disputes between states are a practical example, as states need a neutral, high - level court to resolve their conflicts.
• Interpreting the Law: The Court's interpretations of the Constitution and federal laws are crucial as they shape the legal framework of the country. The Miranda v. Arizona decision is a well - known example of how the Court's interpretation of a constitutional amendment (the Fifth Amendment) had a profound impact on criminal procedure.
• Resolving Legal Disputes: By taking on cases with broad implications, the Court helps to maintain a stable and consistent legal system across the nation. It ensures that there is a final authority to resolve disputes that could otherwise create legal chaos.

Answer:

The duties of the United States Supreme Court include:

1. Judicial Review: The Court has the power to review the constitutionality of laws (both federal and state) and executive actions. For example, in Marbury v. Madison (1803), the Supreme Court established the principle of judicial review, ruling that it had the authority to declare an act of Congress unconstitutional. This power allows the Court to ensure that laws and actions align with the U.S. Constitution.
2. Appellate Jurisdiction (with Discretion): It primarily hears appeals from lower federal courts (like the U.S. Courts of Appeals) and state courts in cases involving federal law, constitutional issues, or disputes between states. For instance, cases related to civil rights, such as Brown v. Board of Education (1954), which addressed racial segregation in public schools, were appealed to the Supreme Court. The Court can choose which cases to hear (usually those with significant legal or constitutional questions) through a process of granting a writ of certiorari.
3. Original Jurisdiction (Limited): The Court has original jurisdiction (hears cases for the first time) in cases involving disputes between states, cases involving ambassadors and other public ministers, and cases where a state is a party against a foreign entity or another state. For example, disputes over state boundaries or water rights between states may be brought directly to the Supreme Court.
4. Interpreting the Law: The Supreme Court interprets the meaning of laws, especially the U.S. Constitution. Its interpretations set legal precedents that lower courts must follow. For example, in Miranda v. Arizona (1966), the Court interpreted the Fifth Amendment's protection against self - incrimination, establishing the "Miranda rights" that law enforcement must inform suspects of during arrest.
5. Resolving Legal Disputes: It resolves major legal disputes that have far - reaching implications for the nation. These disputes can be related to issues like federalism (the balance of power between the federal government and the states), individual rights, and the scope of governmental authority.