The Credibility of the US Supreme Court in Comparison to Third World Countries: A Critical Analysis
The recent Row vs. Wade case brought the credibility of the US Supreme Court (SCOTUS) under intense scrutiny. This landmark decision, made by three politically-biased judges, overturned a 50-year-old law that provided essential protection for women's health and safety, based on their own beliefs and loyalty towards former President Trump. This move not only compromised the trust in the legal system but also highlighted the troubling lack of separation between church and state in America.
The State of the US Supreme Court
The erosion of the Supreme Court's credibility has reached unprecedented levels. The case against Row vs. Wade is just one example where the Court allowed personal beliefs to override the law. This incident, coupled with other controversies, has led many to question the impartiality and integrity of the judicial system in America.
Contrastingly, small countries like Ireland have long upheld the principle of judicial independence. The separation of church and state in Ireland ensures that legal matters are decided based on laws, truth, and reason rather than political or religious influences. This principle is deeply ingrained in the Irish system, and it demonstrates that with public demand, it is possible to achieve a more independent judiciary.
Comparison with Third World Courts
Bob's assertion that the US Supreme Court has a similar level of credibility to courts in Third World countries that bow to political masters, is an apt description. In these countries, courts often reflect the interests of local rulers rather than the law. This is a stark contrast to the principles that govern the Irish legal system.
One might ask, can the United States achieve the same level of judicial independence as Ireland? Despite the recent erosion of trust, the answer is yes. The way forward lies in a transparent and robust process for selecting and evaluating Supreme Court justices. It also requires a strong political will to support the principles of judicial independence and the separation of church and state.
Challenges and Influences
The Democratic and Republican parties have very different views on what constitutes an ideal Supreme Court justice. While the SCOTUS does have a significant degree of autonomy, Congress still wields significant influence over its composition. This indirect influence means that the political landscape can still shape the outcomes of Supreme Court rulings.
Further, the involvement of the Federalist Society in shaping the ideology of several Supreme Court justices raises questions about the level of political influence on the Court. Additionally, certain justices may be influenced by religious convictions, exacerbating the issue of impartiality.
Conclusion
While the US Supreme Court has faced considerable credibility issues, it is possible to improve the situation by fostering a transparent selection process and maintaining a strong commitment to the principles of judicial independence and the separation of church and state. Comparison with countries such as Ireland, where the legal system has successfully established autonomy from political and religious interference, provides a roadmap for achieving a more credible and impartial judiciary.