13.1 Guardians of the Constitution and Individual Rights
2 min read•june 25, 2024
The judicial branch plays a crucial role in protecting individual rights and shaping American governance. From its establishment in 1789 to landmark cases like , federal courts have evolved to become powerful guardians of and constitutional principles.
Courts interpret the Constitution, protect civil liberties, and ensure due process and equal protection. Through and landmark decisions, they influence public policy, balance government powers, and uphold the , shaping America's legal landscape and safeguarding individual rights.
The Judicial Branch and Individual Rights
Evolution of courts in American governance
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of 1789 established the federal court system, created the Supreme Court with six justices, and defined the jurisdiction of federal courts
Marbury v. Madison (1803) established the principle of judicial review allowing the Supreme Court to declare laws unconstitutional
Expansion of federal court jurisdiction increased the number of federal judges and courts over time and expanded the types of cases federal courts can hear
of the through the 's gradually applied Bill of Rights protections to state laws
Courts as guardians of individual rights
Interpreting the Constitution ensures laws and government actions comply with constitutional rights and strikes down laws that violate individual rights ()
Protecting civil liberties upholds freedoms (speech, religion, press, assembly), protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, and right against self-incrimination and double jeopardy
Ensuring due process and equal protection through the Fifth and 14th Amendments' due process clauses and 14th Amendment's prevents discrimination based on race, gender, religion, etc.
Providing through judicial review acts as a check on legislative and executive branches ensuring
Upholding the rule of law by ensuring that all individuals and institutions are subject to and accountable to the same laws
Influence of courts on public policy
varies between interpreting based on original intent of framers and interpreting based on evolving societal norms
Landmark Supreme Court cases shape public policy such as (1954) desegregating public schools, (1973) legalizing abortion, and (2015) legalizing same-sex marriage
proactively shapes public policy through rulings while defers to legislative and executive branches
Impact of judicial appointments occurs as presidents nominate federal judges, including Supreme Court justices, and the Senate confirms or rejects nominations, shifting the ideological balance of courts and public policy
Principles of the Judicial System
relies on an independent judiciary to interpret and apply the law
ensures that judges can make decisions free from political pressure or influence
, or stare decisis, guides judicial decision-making by relying on prior court decisions
are protected and enforced through court decisions and interpretations of constitutional law