Post #4: The Supreme Court

The Supreme Court consists of a fixed number of Associate Justices (currently 8) and the Chief Justice of the United States.  The Supreme Court is the highest Federal court.  It possesses final jurisdiction and exercises supervisory jurisdiction over the lower courts.  Although thousands of cases are filed yearly, the Supreme Court only hears about 100 to 150 per year.  Typically the Court interprets existing law, the intent of Congress while passing legislation, and whethere legislation and acts are constitutional.  Cases reach the court upon appeal from lower courts.

1. Justice, the Guardian of Liberty

Justice, the Guardian of Liberty is located on the Eastern Pediment which suggests that the fundamental laws of America came from the east.  The idea of Justice is that the liberty that America brings is based on ideas and feelings of justice for all. 

2. Equal Justuce Under Law

"Equal Justice Under Law" are the words written above the main entrance of the Supreme Court building.  This is important because it tells everyone who enters that not only will they receive equal justice, but they will provide it as well. 

3. The Great Hall

When you walk into the Great Hall of the Supreme Court building, you will see busts of many important Justices of the United States.  This marks the historic importance of not only the Supreme Court and it's Justices, but also of American Law in general.