The Supreme Court

Composed of 9 justices, the Supreme Court receives written petitions asking them to act. It could be a prisoner who believes they were wrongly convicted or a president defending his power. The Supreme Court of the United States is the most powerful judicial body on earth. The Supreme Court interprets a 200-year-old constitution. In all of American history, there have been over a hundred Supreme Court Justices, serving an average of 16 years. However, some remain on the bench twice as long. Justices are appointed through presidential nominations, which then have to be confirmed by the Senate. One justice said, "Being appointed to the Supreme Court is akin to being struck by lightning." The Supreme Court draws boundaries of government power, and tells the president, congress, and states what they may or may not do. The Supreme Court is often unable to avoid controversy due to its power, but Americans have come to accept the authority of the court. The Supreme Court receives more than a hundred new cases a week. They receive about 7,000 a year, but only a hundred are accepted for full consideration. Most petitions are written arguments attempting to persuade the Supreme Court that the lower court ruling was incorrect. The Justices receive petitions once a week. They are assisted by a small group of law clerks and secretaries. In Supreme Court hearings, lawyers on opposing sides of each case get 30 minutes to argue their case before the court. 

Town Hall Speech- Aaron Burr

Ladies and gentlemen,

    I stand before you today as Aaron Burr, a servant of our great nation, molded by the ideals of liberty and justice for all. At age 13 I studied theology at Princeton University however at age 19 I moved to Connecticut to study law. Upon learning of Lexington and Concord, I left my studies to be a soldier in the Continental Army. I served under Benedict Arnold and participated in the American invasion of Canada. I was one of many brave volunteers who marched 350 miles through the northern wilderness to Quebec City. Upon arriving in Quebec, I was appointed General Richard Mongomery’s aide-de-camp. Following the tragic death of General Montgomery, I had a very brief stint on George Washington’s staff in Manhattan. Subsequently, I was assigned to General Israel Putnam who made me his aide-de-camp. I designated the safe route out of New York, guiding 5,000 men to safety and salvaging crucial US  artillery. In 1777, Washington promoted me to lieutenant colonel and I assumed command of over 300 men. As lieutenant colonel I fought off raids into New Jersey and defended a pass into Valley Forge. In 1779, following the defeat at the Battle of Monmouth and mounting health problems, I resigned from the Continental Army.

    I continued my study of law and was admitted to the bar in New York in 1782. I began a successful career as a lawyer serving in the New York State Assembly, being appointed the New York State Attorney General. In 1791 I defeated Phillip Schyler to become a Senator of New York. I twice attempted to run for president and was unsuccessful, however my second time in 1800 I was chosen to be Thomas Jefferson’s vice president. During this, I issued a formal challenge to duel by my longtime rival Alexander Hamilton. On July 11, 1804, we met in the heights of New Jersey. Two shots were fired, Hamilton missed, I did not. After that I left for the west to live a better life. 

    The issue of slavery is a big problem in our young country, sparking intense debate and creating deep divisions among the people. I have witnessed the rich diversity of our nation, made up of both freedom and slavery. I have come to realize, slavery cannot exist in a country that values liberty. I don't want to blame my fellow citizens who may benefit from slavery, nor ignore the economic realities we face. Our nation was founded on the principle that all people are created equal as well as have certain rights. How can we align those ideals with the existence of slavery? My experience fighting against the British has greatly shaped my view on freedom and its costs. I’ve witnessed the destruction caused by oppression, and it weighs heavily on me. If we allow slavery to continue, we betray the values we stand for.  Imagine a nation where true equality exists, where everyone, regardless of their background, can pursue happiness. Imagine a future where our children aren't burdened by a history of oppression. It is time to reject the idea that slavery is necessary for our economy. We can work towards gradual emancipation, building a society that values dignity over profit. We should strive to be a symbol of hope for everyone seeking freedom, not just for a privileged few. I urge you, my friends, to join me in this cause. Lets not ignore this issue but rise to the challenge, creating a new legacy for our nation- one of true liberty and justice for all. Together we can advocate for emancipation, and end the institution that has stained our honor. Join me as we work towards a future of freedom. 

 

Civil Rights Era (EOTO 2)

    On February 18, 1965 state troopers clubbed protesters and shot and killed 26-year year old Jimmie Lee Jackson, an african american demonstrator trying to protect his mother, who was being beaten by police. In response, civil rights leaders planned to take their cause straight to Alabama Governor George Wallace on a 54-mile march from Selma Alabama, to the state capital of Montgomery. Although Governor Wallace ordered state troopers “to use whatever measures are necessary to prevent a march,” on Sunday March 7th 1965, approximately 600 voting rights advocates led by John Lewis of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and Hosea Williams of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), set out from the Brown Chapel AME church. 

    The civil rights activists marched undisturbed and peacefully through downtown Selma. As they reached the Edmund Pettus Bridge—named after a Confederate general and Ku Klux Klan leader—they were met by a wall of state troopers and deputies slapping billy clubs in their hands. The marchers continued across the bridge and stopped about 50 feet from the authorities. Major John Cloud called out from his bullhorn, “it would be detrimental to your safety to continue this march” “This is an unlawful assembly. You have to disperse, you are ordered to disperse. Go home or go to your church. This march will not continue.” Williams and Lewis made the brave decision to stand their ground at the front line. After a few short moments, the troopers, wearing gas masks and once again slapping their clubs, advanced towards the marchers. They pushed back Lewis and Williams then their pace quickened. They struck them with sticks, and clouds of tear gas mixed with the screams of terrified marchers and the cheers of bystanders. The deputies on horses charged ahead and chased the men, women and children back over the bridge as they swung clubs, whips and rubber tubing wrapped in barbed wire. The protesters did not fight back. Amelia Boynton Robinson was brutally beaten by Alabama state troopers during the march. This photo drew national attention to the cause and captured the brutality of the struggle for African American voting rights.

    Nearby television cameras captured the entire attack and transformed the local protest into a national civil rights event.  Around 9:30 pm ABC newscaster Frank Reynolds interrupted the network's broadcast of “Judgment at Nuremberg”, A movie about Nazi bigotry and war crimes, to air the disturbing, newly arrived footage from Selma. Nearly 50 million Americans who had tuned into the film’s long-awaited television premiere could not escape the historical echoes of Nazi storm troopers in the scenes of the rampaging state troopers. Americans all over staged sit-ins, traffic blockades and demonstrations in solidarity with the marchers. Some even traveled to Selma where two days later, Martin Luthor King JR attempted another march but, to the surprise of demonstrators, turned back when state troopers yet again blocked the highway at the Edmund Pettus Bridge. After a federal court order permitted the protest, the voting rights marchers left Selma under the protection of federalized National Guard troops.  On March 25th, they reached Montgomery with the crowd growing to 25,000 by the time they reached the capital steps. The events in Selma drew Congress to pass the Voting Rights Act which President Johnson signed into law on August 6, 1965. Edmund Pettus Bridge is now a National Historic Landmark and March 7th 1965 is forever known as “Bloody Sunday”.

Reconstruction Era (EOTO 1)

    John Willis Menard born in 1838 in Illinois, was a publisher, politician, and the first African American to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. In the House of Representatives election in 1868, Mr. Menard won 64% of the vote against Mr. Caleb S Hunt, after failing to overcome an election challenge by Mr. Hunt, the House Committee on Elections held a debate to decide whether or not to seat Mr. Menard. During the debate, Mr. Menard became the first African American man to speak on the floor of the House. Mr.Hunt didn’t show up to testify, nor did he present any evidence supporting his claims. Despite this, Congress refused to seat Mr.Menard by a vote of 130 to 57 all because he was a black man. 

    A then congressman and now former president, James Garfield, confirmed the decision and argued that it was “too early to admit a black person to the U.S. Congress and that seat should be declared vacant, saving the $5,000 salary.

    Joseph Hayne Rainey was born into slavery in South Carolina and was the first African American to serve in and preside over the US House of Representatives. While enslaved, Rainey got married and worked as a barber until 1862 when he and his wife escaped to Bermuda. After the war, they returned to Charleston, and in 1870, he was elected to the House of Representatives to complete the term of a former congressman. While serving, Rainey advocated for the Civil Rights Act of 1875. While also advocating for the Ku Klux Klan Act of 1871, Rainey gave his first major speech, arguing for the use of federal troops to protect African Americans from the Ku Klux Klan. Joseph Rainey was reelected 3 times, serving until 1879.  

Brown v. Board of Ed (trial 2)

 Your Honor,

    Today I stand in support of school integration invoking the ideals of justice and the teachings of history. Segregation based solely on race is unequal. Right now, some kids don't get the same chance to learn as others. This is not fair. Every kid deserves a good education regardless of skin color, where they live, or how much money their family has. Keeping schools separate sends the message that some kids are less important than others, and not only is this unfair but it's outright wrong. 

    When we separate kids we are teaching them that differences are something to fear and avoid but when kids are brought together they can learn from each other and grow together. They can see that people who look different can have the same hopes, dreams and fears and that no matter their background they deserve respect and kindness. They can make friends they might not have met otherwise, teaching kindness, understanding and teamwork- all vital attributes of life. Think about it this way: you wouldnt want your child treated unfairly so why should any other child be treated that way? I'll answer that question for you- they shouldnt. 

    It is our responsibility to care for eachother even when it doesnt directly affect us. Standing by and letting someone be treated unfairly is not how a good ethical society works. Integration isn't just about today or education, it's about building a better future and country and giving every child an equal chance of success. Kids that grow up learning together can help create a world that is more fair and united, guiding this country to be the best and most integrated it has been yet. Imagine if we lived in a world where every single person was treated with dignity and fairness. School integration is an important step towards building that kind of world that I know everyone wants. 

    By supporting school integration we’re showing kids the value of compassion and equality. So, lets stand up for whats right, creating schools and a society that values each child equally. Together, we can build a fairer, kinder, and more united nation. 

Thank you

State v. Mann (trial 1)

            John Manns decision to kill Lydia was justifiable. The moral worth of an action is determined by its outcome whether it maximizes overall well being or minimizes harm. Lydia was a danger to the community and John through vindictive intentions. Her death was necessary to prevent greater harm to others. As Justice Thomas Ruffin argued, masters should have absolute power over their slaves to ensure total submission. Without complete control, the authority of the master would be undermined, leading to potential rebellion or disobedience. Killing lydia was an enforcement of absolute authority ensuring that no precedent could be set for resistance or defiance. John Manns action was a necessary evil to maintain the structure of the institution of slavery at the time. Ruffin stated that while masters should wield absolute power, slaves should have legal protection from people other than their owners. Meaning that while John Mann had the right to exert control over Lydia, others could not intervene or harm her without his consent. In this framework, Lydia’s death at John’s hands, though tragic, is a right reserved to him as her master. In conclusion, Lydia's death was an act of self preservation and was a part of maintaining the social order and ensuring obedience. 

Aaron Burr- Town Hall Meeting

Aaron Burr was a prominent figure in early American history, known for his role as a politician, soldier, and lawyer. Born on February 6, 1756, in Newark, New Jersey,

he came from a distinguished family. His father was a minister, and his mother was the daughter of a prominent preacher. Burr studied at Princeton University and became

a soldier during the American Revolutionary War.After the war, Burr entered politics. He served as a state assemblyman in New York and later became the third vice president of the United States under Thomas Jefferson. Burr is perhaps most famous for his duel with Alexander Hamilton in 1804, which resulted in Hamilton's death and significantly damaged Burr's reputation. Burr's views on slavery were complex and evolved over his life. In the late 18th century, when Burr was active in politics, slavery was a contentious issue in America.

Many northern states, including New York, were beginning to abolish slavery or limit its expansion, while southern states relied heavily on slave labor

for their agricultural economics.

Initially, Burr’s stance on slavery was somewhat progressive compared to many of his peers. He opposed the institution of slavery and supported gradual emancipation.

In 1799, New York passed a law that gradually freed enslaved people, and Burr was part of the political movement advocating for this change. He believed that slavery

was morally wrong and harmful to society.However, Burr's views were also influenced by the realities of his time. He was a member of a wealthy class that often benefited from slavery, and his political career involved navigating a complex landscape where alliances with slaveholders were sometimes necessary for political advancement. In his personal life, Burr owned a few enslaved individuals, which complicates his legacy. While he did advocate for some abolitionist measures, his actions did not fully align with a strong abolitionist stance. In 1800, Burr founded the Manhattan Company, initially intended to provide clean drinking water to New Yorkers. However, it also served as a bank, and it significantly

enriched him. Burr's business dealings sometimes intersected with the interests of slaveholders, showing that while he may have personally opposed slavery,

he operated within a system that often profited from it. Throughout his life, Burr was a controversial figure. He often found himself at odds with political rivals, and his

ambition led to both success and downfall. After the duel with Hamilton, Burr’s political career declined. He faced charges of murder, fled to Europe and returned to the

U.S. years later, living a quieter life until his death in 1836l.In summary, Aaron Burr was a complicated man with a multifaceted view on slavery. While he supported gradual emancipation and recognized the moral issues surrounding slavery, he also engaged in practices that were contradictory to those beliefs. His legacy is marked by both his contributions to American politics and the complexities of his relationship with slavery, reflecting the broader struggles of a nation grappling with its values during a time of significant change.