The Supreme Court of the United States (IPA: suːˈpriːm kɔrt ʌv ði juːˈnaɪtəd steɪts) is the highest federal court in the US, and it has the power to interpret and uphold the Constitution. The spelling of this term is straightforward, with the stress falling on the first syllable of both "Supreme" and "Court." The IPA transcription helps clarify that the word "of" is pronounced with an unstressed "əv," and "United States" is pronounced with three syllables, not the two that might be generated by the spelling alone.
The Supreme Court of the United States refers to the highest judicial body of the federal government in the United States. Established by the United States Constitution in 1789, it is also commonly known as the SCOTUS, an acronym for Supreme Court of the United States. This court is composed of nine justices, including one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices, who are all appointed for life by the President of the United States with the advice and consent of the Senate.
Functioning as the ultimate arbiter of the law, the Supreme Court's primary role is to interpret the meaning and constitutionality of laws and determine legal principles that shape the nation's legal landscape. It exercises its authority through various means, such as hearing appeals from lower federal and state courts, issuing decisions that set legal precedent, and resolving disputes between federal government entities or between states.
The Supreme Court plays a vital role in safeguarding the Constitution and ensuring the protection of individual rights and civil liberties through its power of judicial review. Notable cases handled by the Court have had a profound impact on American society, influencing policy, legislation, and social change. The Court's decisions are highly influential and carry significant weight throughout the nation, invoking respect and scrutiny from legal scholars, lawyers, and citizens alike.