Rush’s dad came into the classroom a few days ago! He shed light on the life of the Supreme Court. What is the supreme court? Well, it’s the highest court. What does that mean? That means that the Supreme court’s law overrules all other law (except for the Constitution). On the supreme court, there our nine justices. I think this is a good amount because since there is a odd number of justices, there will be no ties. Apparently, America agrees with me!
So, where does Mr. Schwartz (Rush’s Dad) tie in here? He’s not one of the justices. Mr. Schwartz was a clerk. That means he did research for a justice. Well, you may be thinking, what research did he do? Well, the justices always need help with research, from cases from the 1900’s to the history of the challenger. The justices are always busy with the case, so it’s up to the clerks to provide information….
After the introduction Mr. Schwartz announced “There is another highest court! Even higher than the supreme court!” I was like, WHAT! Turns out there is a basketball court right above the Supreme Court! I think this is a great idea! A place where the hard working clerks can cool off! The justices? They don’t use the basketball court. Their busy with the cases! Speaking of cases, what happens during a case?
Well, before you can even start a case, you have to get your petition accepted! Who accepts the petition? The clerks. They receive thousands of petitions. So, why isn’t the Supreme Court head over heels in cases? Well, most petitions are loopy! The few that are accepted go to the Supreme Court! This is when the justice’s work begins…
First, the prosecutors, defenders, and the challengers file in. Then, the justices will hear the case for about half an hour. Then the clerics go to work researching, and the justices go to work talking! After a few days they come back together, and talk. Then the justices will make a decision. Well, if you are lucky that is. Some cases drag on for years!
As he finished lecturing, it was time for the activity! What was the activity? A quiz! There were five questions, all about the supreme court. My group breezed through them. Then, hearts beating, We handed in our quiz. We watched all the other groups hand in their quizzes. Our hearts were beating like drums. Why? Well, he promised rewards. Then he said “Okay, your reward is… The U.S Constitution!” We got these cool pamphlets with the Constitution on them! Overall, I really loved this expert lecture. As I walk out of school with knowledge of the U.S Supreme Court, I AM PSYCHED!