Supreme Court

Established by Article III of the United States (/united-states.html) Constitution, the Supreme Court (/supreme-court.html) serves as the highest tribunal in the federal judiciary. The National Archives records its primary function as the final arbiter of law, ensuring uniform interpretation across the nation.

The court exercises the power of judicial review, a principle solidified in the 1803 decision of *Marbury v. Madison*. This authority allows the body to invalidate legislative acts or executive actions found incompatible with the Constitution, according to the Library of Congress.

Since 1935, the organization has operated from the Supreme Court Building in Washington, D.C. It acts as a critical component of the American system of checks and balances, providing a counterweight to the House of Representatives (/house-of-representatives.html) and executive branch.

The number of justices is determined by Congress, a figure that has remained at nine since the Judiciary Act of 1869. As the court of last resort, its rulings establish binding precedents that govern federal law within the United States (/united-states.html).

The institution's influence extends to the mediation of disputes between states and the clarification of individual rights. By interpreting the Bill of Rights, the court defines the boundaries of governmental authority and civil liberties, as documented by the Federal Judicial Center.

The United States (/united-states.html) legal system relies on the court to resolve conflicts between federal and state statutes. Through the issuance of a writ of certiorari, the justices select specific cases that present significant constitutional questions for review and final adjudication.