While the opinion leaked to Politico may well change before a final version is released, likely in June, its mere existence reshaped American politics in an instant-upending midterm races and political agendas, and refuting any argument that overturning Roe would affect only a small number of people in conservative states. Pastors declared victory, politicians sprinted to stake positions, and lawyers scrambled to understand the extraordinary implications of the draft text, pointing to a list of other constitutional rights suddenly in jeopardy, including access to birth control and the ability to marry the person of your choice, regardless of sex or race. Within hours, protesters on both sides of the debate crowded outside the Supreme Court building in Washington, dancing in triumph or shaking with rage. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, a case directly challenging existing precedent, showed the majority of Justices poised to overturn Roe in its entirety. Just 103 justices have served on the Supreme Court since its inception, making it one of the most competitive and selective jobs available in the federal government.Įach current justice has a fascinating story backing their high levels of judicial and personal achievement.Įxplore biographies from Gale In Context of our current Supreme Court Justices below with your Library Card number.On May 2, it seemed that day was imminent. With a successful confirmation process, Jackson will serve a lifetime term or until she chooses to retire.Īccording to the Congressional Research Service, the average time it takes from nomination to confirmation is just over two months. While the nominations are made out to be inherently political – it is one of the few federally appointed positions in which refined neutrality is heavily emphasized. If confirmed, she’ll replace long-serving Justice Stephen J. Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson is our nation’s most recent historic Supreme Court nominee. Congress and the Executive Branch, on the other hand, have no authority to “overturn” a previous Supreme Court decision. It’s also the only branch of government with the power to refute both Congress’s and the President’s decisions if they believe them to be unconstitutional – a clever check and balance on our three-branch federal system.

From financial rulings to massive human rights rulings, the Court hears about 100-150 cases per session out of the 7,000 cases it is asked to review annually. Their measured decision-making on the nation’s largest judicial issues dictates the tides of the future. Nine justices make up the highest court in our land, the Supreme Court.

Roe vs. Wade by D.J. Herda