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What Are The Major Issues Today

What Are The Major Issues today

Introduction

The Supreme Court is the highest court in the United States, which holds an important role in deciding cases on issues that range from civil rights to presidential powers. The Supreme Court’s decisions shape the political and social landscape of United States society. Over the years, the Supreme Court has been confronted with major issues that have had a significant impact on people’s lives and the course of American history. In this article, we will discuss some of the major issues that the Supreme Court has faced in recent years.

  1. Civil Rights

Civil rights have been a significant issue before the Supreme Court since its establishment. The court has decided many landmark cases, which helped in abolishing discrimination against race and gender. The issue of civil rights has evolved over the years, but it still remains a vital issue before the court. Recently, the Supreme Court has heard cases related to transgender rights, affirmative action, voting rights, and racial and ethnic discrimination.

One of the most significant civil rights cases before the Supreme Court in recent years was Obergefell v. Hodges, which concerned same-sex marriage. In 2015, the Supreme Court decided that the fundamental right to marry is guaranteed to same-sex couples under the Constitution’s Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses. The decision was a pivotal moment for LGBTQ+ rights, and it marked a significant shift toward greater equality.

2. Presidential Power

The issue of presidential power has been a focal point for the Supreme Court, especially in recent years. The court has been called upon to interpret the scope of presidential power, including issues like military detention, immigration, and executive orders. The Supreme Court’s role in checking presidential power is an essential aspect of the United States’ constitutional system.

One of the most consequential cases related to presidential power before the Supreme Court was Trump v. Hawaii. The case concerned the constitutionality of President Donald Trump’s travel ban, which prohibited individuals from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States. In 2018, the Supreme Court upheld the ban in a 5-4 decision, stating that the President has considerable power to control immigration and national security matters.

  1. Campaign Finance

Campaign finance has become one of the most contentious issues in American politics in recent years. The Supreme Court has been at the forefront of many cases concerning campaign finance, including the constitutionality of limits on contributions to candidates and political parties. The court has also been instrumental in cases related to the regulation of independent expenditures and corporate contributions.

One of the most significant cases before the Supreme Court concerning campaign finance was Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. In 2010, the Supreme Court ruled in a 5-4 decision that the First Amendment’s free speech clause prevented the government from restricting independent political expenditures by corporations and other organizations. The decision has led to significant changes in campaign finance, and many argue that it has allowed powerful interests to influence elections.

  1. Abortion

Abortion has been one of the most divisive issues in American politics for decades. The Supreme Court has been asked to rule on many cases pertaining to abortion, including the constitutionality of restrictions on abortion access and the right to obtain an abortion. The court’s decisions in abortion-related cases are often highly controversial and emotionally charged.

One of the most notable cases in recent years concerning abortion was Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt. In 2016, the Supreme Court struck down a Texas law that placed stringent requirements on abortion providers. The court ruled that the law placed an undue burden on a woman’s right to obtain an abortion.

  1. Gun Rights

The issue of gun rights has been a subject of debate in American politics for many years. The Supreme Court has been called upon to rule on many cases related to the Second Amendment, including the extent of the right to bear arms and the constitutionality of gun control measures. The court’s decisions on gun rights have been critical in shaping the debate surrounding access to firearms.

One of the most significant cases before the Supreme Court concerning gun rights was District of Columbia v. Heller. In 2008, the court ruled in a 5-4 decision that the Second Amendment protects an individual’s right to possess a firearm for self-defense. The decision was a major victory for gun rights advocates, and it marked a significant shift in the debate over gun control.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court is an essential institution in the United States’ political and legal landscape. The court has decided many vital cases on issues ranging from civil rights to presidential power, campaign finance, abortion, and gun rights. The court’s decisions have had a significant impact on American history, and they continue to shape the nation’s political and social landscape. The Supreme Court’s role in interpreting the Constitution and preserving individual liberties is critical to the maintenance of American democracy.


Abortion Roe v. Wade is considered by many to be the blueprint for legislation pertaining to abortion. In 1973, a Texas woman wishing only to be known by her pseudonym, Jane Roe, argued that her inability to terminate her pregnancy was in direct violation of her First Amendment rights to the pursuit of happiness.

Although the Supreme Court ruled in her favor, parameters were created that outlined an actual pregnancy, splitting it into three trimesters. During an individual trimester, properties were assigned to the pregnancy, and as a result, abortion was legalized within certain parameters. Children In Tinker v. Des Moines, two high school students donned black armbands to their high school in protest of the Vietnam War. Although the students were summarily suspended as a result of this act, the students brought their case in front of the Supreme Court, claiming that their First Amendment rights had been violated – namely, freedom of expression.

Many factors came into play over the course of the trial, including the rights of minors in conjunction with an assumed decorum within high school, a public forum, which was publicly-funded. Civil Rights Dred Scott v. Sanford and Plessy v. Ferguson were thrown out by the presiding judges, regardless of the respective Constitutional violations suffered on the part of the minorities involved. Yet, in an ironic fashion, their undesirable rulings paved the way for future cases, which retroactively cited the injustices that occurred in the aforementioned losing cases, creating opportunities for every subsequent hearing to provide more civil rights to minorities and culminating in the passing of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Contracts Clause Lochner v. New York was a case that helped to establish a definitive legislation, which outlines the role of not only the parties involved in the contractual agreement, but the role of the State and Government as well.

Criminal Law and Procedure Criminal law and punishment has been a major topic of concern in the Supreme Court of the United States. The U.S. Constitution covers criminal law and procedure in the Fifth, Sixth, and Eighth Amendments. The Fifth Amendment guarantees due process, while protecting individuals from double jeopardy and self-incrimination. The Sixth Amendment provides accused criminals with a fair and speedy trial and a trial in front of a grand jury, while granting the right to receive legal counsel. The Eighth Amendment prohibits excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishments.

The Supreme Court has interpreted these Amendments of the Constitution in a number of landmark Court hearings. Miranda v. Arizona created a law in which individuals who are arrested and interrogated must be read and understand their rights before incriminating evidence is used against them. Mapp v. Ohio ensured that the public was protected against unreasonable searches and seizures in their home and if any evidence was obtained illegally, it could not be used against them in court. Massiah v. United States was a landmark Supreme Court decision pertaining to criminal procedure, which held that the Government could not bypass a defendant’s lawyer to receive further information from the defendant about the alleged crime. National Security National security encompasses the ways by which the Government may ensure the protection of its citizens. Examples of such venues of practice include: the employment of diplomatic practices in order to diffuse threats, imposition of economic power, and the strengthening and maintenance of branches of the military.