The Supreme Court: Is It Losing Its Way?
The Supreme Court is on the brink of making big decisions that will impact various aspects of society. These include:
- District drawing
- Campaign rules
- Transgender rights
However, the court appears to be disregarding public opinion more than ever before.
Breaking Old Rules
Under Chief Justice John Roberts, the court has been abandoning past precedents. For instance:
- They allowed President Trump to fire officials without cause.
- Justice Clarence Thomas suggested that some old laws may no longer hold.
Changing Court Procedures
The court is also altering how it operates:
- Increased use of the "shadow docket" – making quick, unexplained decisions.
- Less deference to lower courts.
A Historical Shift
Traditionally, the court aimed to align with public sentiment. Alexander Hamilton even noted that the court needs public support to enforce its rulings.
The Growing Divide
Today, the court is often ruling against public opinion. This erodes trust in the institution. If this trend continues, public confidence in the court will decline further, which is detrimental to democracy.
The Supreme Court must carefully consider its decisions and not ignore the people.
