The Supreme Court of the United States, once revered as the ultimate arbiter of law and justice, has instead become a den of political manipulation and unchecked power. It wields authority without accountability, deciding the fate of crucial rights and laws with implications that echo through generations. This unchecked power is not just antidemocratic—it’s dangerous. It allows nine unelected individuals to shape the country’s future in ways that often defy the will of the people and the spirit of justice.
When the Court strips away abortion rights or shields presidents from prosecution, it does so without fear of consequence. Unlike elected officials who face backlash at the ballot box or legal repercussions for misconduct, justices remain insulated from public opinion and beyond reproach. This insulation breeds a culture of impunity where decisions are made not based on impartial jurisprudence, but on partisan allegiance and personal ideology.
The Supreme Court’s decision to shield presidents from prosecution underscores this troubling trend. This shocking and lawless ruling represents a dangerous overreach of executive power that threatens the very fabric of American democracy. This opinion, which extends beyond the tenure of any single president, grants an unprecedented level of immunity that Justice Sotomayor aptly describes as creating a “law-free zone” around the presidency—a zone where abuses of power could go unchecked and justice denied.
In her dissent, Justice Sotomayor vividly painted the potential consequences of such unchecked immunity: scenarios where a president could order assassinations of political rivals, orchestrate military coups to retain power, or engage in corrupt practices like trading pardons for bribes—all without fear of legal repercussion. This is not the rule of law; it’s a recipe for authoritarianism.
These people don’t even represent the majority of Americans. Five of the six conservative justices on the Supreme Court were appointed by Republican presidents who lost the popular vote and confirmed by senators elected by a minority of Americans. Yet they behave as if they are untouchable because that is how everybody else treats them. These justices are the nepo-babies of American democracy: They’ve earned nothing, yet act like they own the country.
Every other institution in this country treats the Supreme Court with unwavering deference and total submission to its power. Why? What have these individuals done to deserve the authority to wield power without facing any challenge or dissent?
When Donald Trump commits crimes, he often evades accountability. Efforts are made to hold him responsible, resulting at times in charges, impeachment, or significant financial penalties. Yet, when the Supreme Court aids Trump in avoiding consequences for his actions, such as its recent decision to grant him presidential immunity from prosecution, there are no repercussions.
The Court’s actions cannot go unanswered. They reflect a pattern of political maneuvering under the guise of judicial authority—a trend that undermines the Court’s legitimacy and erodes public trust. The notion that nine individuals hold such unchecked power without democratic accountability is antithetical to the principles of a government of the people, by the people, for the people.
To safeguard democracy, we must hold the Supreme Court accountable. This means challenging its inflated sense of authority and demanding reforms that limit its power, constrain its budget, and ensure it operates with transparency and accountability. Justices must be reminded that they serve the American people, not rule over them as untouchable arbiters of law.
The time for complacency is over. The Supreme Court must face consequences for its actions—political, institutional, and professional. It must be stripped of the illusion of infallibility and made subject to the same scrutiny and criticism as other branches of government. Only then can we begin to reclaim our democracy from the grip of judicial overreach and restore power to where it rightfully belongs—in the hands of the people.
