Establishment And Structure

The Supreme Court of the United States: A History

Establishment and Structure

The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) was established in 1789 as the highest court in the federal judiciary. It is composed of nine Justices: one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices. The current Chief Justice is John G. Roberts Jr., who has held the position since 2005.

Jurisdiction and Significance

SCOTUS has ultimate appellate jurisdiction over all federal court cases. Its decisions are final and binding on all lower courts, making it the ultimate arbiter of the law in the United States. The Court's rulings have a profound impact on American society, shaping legal precedents and influencing public policy.

Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr.

John G. Roberts Jr. was born in Buffalo, New York, on January 27, 1955. He earned a bachelor's degree from Harvard College and a law degree from Harvard Law School. Roberts served as a law clerk to Associate Justice William Rehnquist and later as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. He was nominated to the Supreme Court by President George W. Bush in 2005 and confirmed by the Senate by a 78-22 vote.

As Chief Justice, Roberts is responsible for administering the Court and overseeing its operations. He plays a pivotal role in shaping the Court's agenda, assigning cases to Justices, and writing opinions. Roberts is known for his conservative judicial philosophy and his commitment to textualism, interpreting the Constitution based on its original meaning.

In addition to his judicial duties, Roberts represents the United States at international events and speaks to law students and the public about the importance of the rule of law. He is also involved in efforts to improve access to justice and to promote civics education.