Post 1: The Supreme Court: a Crash Course in Civil Discourse

The United States of America is divided along party lines and neither side knows how to communicate with the other. Each of the respective parties has its own political objectives and both have forgotten the values this nation was built on. Citizens have lost faith in their government and as a result, they check out and retreat into their own echo chambers. Few can fathom a way out of this political schism, but as I see it, the solution has been right in front of us all along.

Let me introduce the third branch of the United States government: The Judicial Branch. As established in Article III of the United States Constitution, the Judicial Branch, and specifically the Supreme Court, acts to defend and uphold the very document that willed them into existence. The Supreme Court consists of nine justices who are nominated by the President when a vacancy presents itself. These nominees are then confirmed by the Senate to serve life terms on the highest bench in the land. Acting as independent agents, free of party allegiance, the justices interpret the Constitution to rule against or for plaintiffs who approach them with a petition. The Court only accepts 2% of the petitions it receives, but if accepted, healthy debate is sure to follow during the oral argument.

During the debate, each side is given thirty minutes to state their case and answer questions from the Justices. Everyone gets to speak once before anyone is able to speak twice and the debate remains respectful. Justices cannot ask each other questions directly but can ask questions to lawyers to make a point to a fellow Justice. This mechanism is brilliant because it forces Justices to let someone else explain their ideas. By adding a middle man some tension is relieved and discussion can continue. Furthermore, Justices always begin by shaking hands, this establishes a personal connection and reminds them that all parties involved are serving in the public's interest.

It is commonplace for a Justice to change their position when a previously held belief is challenged with a stellar counterpoint. This open-mindedness is just one trait that should be adopted by the general population when discussing politics. By engaging in the practices set forth by the Supreme Court our nation can come together once again to respectfully disagree and move forward as united people.

If you are interested in learning more about the Supreme Court's history, procedures, or traditions please consider the following link. Supreme Court Procedures