Judging the Court: The Evolving Role of the Supreme Court in Modern America.

In the Federalist 78 Alexander Hamilton called the Supreme Court an “intermediary” between the “People” and the legislature, as the Court served as a “bulwark” for a limited Constitution. Some contemporary judicial critics challenge this notion, as public opinion of the Supreme Court has decreased, long-standing precedents have been overturned, and personal issues with the justices have created controversies. Others see the Supreme Court as protecting the fundamental and essential principles of the United States’ founding. All perceptions, of course, are filtered by partisan ideology in these modern times. This presentation will examine the current Supreme Court, putting these issues in historical context and placing emphasis on cases from the 2024-2025 term.