5. The Supreme Court

Why in a democracy do nine unelected men and women, serving for life on a high court, seem to function as a nation's final say? ‘The Supreme Court’ addresses this question and examines the role of the Court. Surveys show that citizens pay considerable attention to the Court. Its insulation from electoral politics, the recruitment of men and women with distinguished careers as government lawyers, and the life tenure of appointments are important features of the Court as an institution. They free its members to engage in good-faith jurisprudence without fear of retribution for making decisions that might displease the president, members of Congress, or angry citizens.