Supreme Court Reflection

Before watching this video, I knew the Supreme Court was the highest court in the United States. What I did not realize was how few cases actually make it to the Court.

The video explained that the Court receives about 7,000 petitions each year but hears only around 100 cases. I was surprised to learn that every petition receives individual consideration, whether it comes from a major law firm or a prisoner writing by hand.

One of the most important takeaways was that the Supreme Court's power comes from public trust. The Court does not have its own police force or military. Instead, people follow its decisions because they believe the institution is fair, independent, and legitimate.

I was also interested in learning more about the justices themselves. There have been only about 100 Supreme Court justices in American history, and many serve for decades.

One statement that stood out was the comparison between becoming a justice and "being struck by lightning." That description emphasized how rare and extraordinary the position is.

The most surprising thing I learned involved the Court's internal process. I did not know that the justices shake hands before conferences and court sessions as a way of preventing grudges and encouraging respectful discussion.

I was also surprised to learn how much opinions can change during the writing process. Justice O'Connor's comparison of opinion writing to "wet concrete" showed how ideas become more fixed once a written draft begins to take shape.

Current members of U.S Supreme Court

The historical section of the video was especially memorable. Learning about Marbury v. Madison and the Court's role in judicial review helped me understand how the Court gained its authority. At the same time, the discussion of Dred Scott showed that the Court has also made major mistakes that affected the nation.

Overall, the video changed my view of the Supreme Court. I had always thought of it primarily as a place where judges make decisions, but I now see it as an institution whose influence depends heavily on public trust, careful deliberation, and traditions built over generations.

TOP FIVE SOURCES

New York Times: New York Times feels trustworthy compared to a lot that's out there. The articles go more in depth and explain the full story instead of a quick headline that leaves out context. I like that it is run by actual journalists who fact check their work, so I don't have to worry about whether something's true or not. I'd recommend it to other people my age because it's a good way to understand what's going on in the world, not just skim the surface. It takes more time to read than scrolling on social media, but I think it's worth it. 

TikTok: TikTok makes keeping up with the news so much easier when i'm busy or don't feel like reading a whole article. Creators break things down in a quick simple way that's easy to actually understand and remember. It's also an easy way to see what everyone's talking about or what's trending that day. I'd recommend it to people who want a quick overview, but also don't rely on it as much on it as your only source since anyone can post anything and it's not always accurate. 

Instagram: Instagram is already part of my daily routine, so news pops up naturally through reels, stories, or infographics from accounts I already follow. It doesn't feel like extra effort to stay updated since I am already on the app. I like that a lot of the accounts turn complicated topics into simple graphics that are easy to read quickly. I'd recommend it to people who want a casual low effort way to stay in the loop. But just like TikTok, I always try to double check anything important somewhere more reliable. 

Youtube: Youtube videos can go way more in depth than a quick post or clip can. I can watch full interviews, breakdowns, or explainer videos that actually help me understand a topic instead of just hearing about it in passing. It feels more personal since I can hear someone's tone and see their reactions, which helps me process the information better. I'd recommend it to people who like taking things in visually or who want more context on a story. 

Friends and Family: Getting news from friends and family feels more real and personal than reading it from a screen. It comes with actual conversation, so I get to hear different opinions and think through things instead of accepting whatever I read. It helps me understand how certain news affects people I know, not just strangers or statistics. I'd recommend talking to the people close to you about current events because it makes you think more critically and see different perspectives.