July 6, 2015
Is the Supreme Court Too Powerful?
Introduction
The nine justices of the United States Supreme Court Larry Downing/ReutersOpinions about the Supreme Court’s legitimacy and value usually depend on ideology. Conservatives shouted tyranny after the Supreme Court upended bans on same-sex marriage. Liberals were outraged when the court overturned campaign finance limitations in the Citizens United ruling and gutted the Voting Rights Act in the Shelby County case.
But absent the ideological scoreboard, how can we judge the merit of the court? Is judicial review of laws the best way to avoid political influence? Or is major change more lasting and accepted when it’s accomplished legislatively?
Read the Discussion »Debaters
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A Check on Big Government, Protection for Minorities
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The Court’s Power Has Become Excessive
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A Partner in Transformation, Not the Sole Agent
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On Rights, the Court Has Done More Harm Than Good
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The Good the Court Has Done Far Outweighs the Harm
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Court’s Power Is Greatest If It Follows Public Opinion
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Great Controversy Is Usually the Exception
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