Is the US supreme court too powerful an institution or is its influence overrated by critics?

Answer 1

The US supreme court is a powerful vehicle the problem isn't the supreme court it is the idiots that are filing into it with their petty claims, such as the second amendment is only for the militia

Answer 2

Sometimes it can be. The Supreme Court has more power than any person or organization in the world. No one has check or balance on the Supreme Court. What they say goes. There is only one way to change what the Supreme Court does, and that is to amend the Constitution, which is virtually impossible. Congress can try and pass a law, but the Supreme Court can just as easily rule that the law is unconstitutional! So yes, the Supreme Court can be too powerful, but without that, we would never have anything become final. It would all just go round and round until someone gave up.

Answer 3

It has always been the part of government that could have the worst effect upon the rights and freedoms of the people. As demonstrated in Massachusetts and New Jersey, it only took 4 people to determine that *magic-presto!* homosexual marriage / unions were now legal.

People across the political spectrum should be appalled that 4 people could impose their view of society over a whole state. This type of decision is properly left to the people and their elected representatives, not to 4 people in black dresses. In these cases, the process of such tyranny should outweigh any other consideration of the decision.

For the same reason, people should be appalled at such decisions as Roe v. Wade or forced busing - because these were judicial abominations regardless of whether you supported or opposed the decision. In these cases, the court usurped authority it did not have and imposed their social views upon society, legislating from the bench.

The courts have the unique ability to destroy the rights and freedoms in this country by both negligence and activism. It is time for the other branches to check and balance that power.

Answer 4

Clearly the power of the S. Ct. is Constitutional.

The issue of applying stare decisis, rather than judicial activism is the issue.

Captain Bob is correct. Too many Americans are uneducated about the proper way the Constitution is to be applied by our highest court.

Answer 5

the court system can be powerful...but the other branches of government may even be more powerful...they can always propose amendmends with a majority of states...so, if it is good, a law or ruling can stand on its own merit...no, the Courts are not too strong, they need to have enough strength to stand against the other branches as equals...the latest hype by Neo-cons against the judiciary undermines our whole system of fairness...we are a constitutional republic...our constitution guarantees these institutions...theree would be chaos or Imperialism with out the courts...the courts protect us, just because they do not support hot ticket, political items such as no abortion or prayer in school doesn't make them bad...in fact they are apolitical in theory and Thank God they are not a supporter of which ever religion wants their own beliefs injected into government.

Answer 6

anytime politics is involved, even when it comes to the Supreme Court, power is a dangerous thing.

Answer 7

Have you read the Bush v Gore commentaries?? Yes the Supreme Court is far too too powerful. You should read the book:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/offer-listing/0300093799/ref=lp_g_1/203-9409110-2074304

Answer 8

Way too powerful. They are the least accountable branch of govt.

Answer 9

I love the idea of all these rogue "activist judges" and "activist courts." I wonder if "activist judges" were responsible for George's DUIs.

Answer 10

thay have been MAKING laws since the 70s and nobody seems to care. I think the power is UNDERrated by people today by not trying to stop it.