Over the last four decades, however, we have seen the Supreme Court exert remarkable judicial power in cases pertaining to education, abortion and other important issues. Many hail modern Justices as great defenders of the people's rights. Others contend that the Supreme Court seems more intent on legislating a radical agenda than simply interpreting the text of the Constitution, the very source of its authority. If such latter claims are valid, then are we witnessing an imbalance of power that threatens our democratic form of government?
God and Man At The Supreme Court: Rethinking Religion in Public Life Kevin J. Hasson The Supreme Court's attempt to privitize religion is re-examined. Can the the Court truly be neutral regarding religious issues?
The Courts: Order in the Classroom Bruce C. Hafen and Jonathan O. Hafen This article traces the Court's decisions that undermined educational authority. Later the Court reversed itself. What lesson was involved in this matter?
Roe: Twenty-Five Years Later First Things The editors of First Things consider the legacy of this most infamous Supreme Court decision.
The Eminent Tribunal Francis Canavan A comparison of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision with that of the infamous Dred Scott v. Sanford.
Putting the Federal Judiciary Back on the Constitutional Track Edwin Meese III The former U.S. Attorney General outlines the areas in which the Supreme Court has improperly exercised its judicial power. He also offers solutions on how the Court can be set back on the right path.
The Supreme Court 1997 First Things Various authors look back over the Supreme Court decisions of 1997.
This collection of articles criticizing the Supreme Court created serious controversy. Read the original essays and responses to them in this worthwhile exchange.
Related Historical Documents
Go here to see our past Special Focus features.