The Supreme Court of the United States is the highest judicial body in the United States. The Supreme Court was created in 1789 by Article III of the United States Constitution, which stipulates that the "judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one supreme Court" together with any lower courts Congress may establish. The judiciary branch of government has the power to overturn laws and executive actions determined to be unlawful or unconstitutional. Justices are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Once appointed, justices have life tenure unless they resign.



With the passing of Justice Scalia in FEB 2016, the direction of the country is in the balance.