By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Recent polling data reveals a growing perception among Americans that the Supreme Court is too conservative, reaching a new high of 43%. This shift is primarily driven by increasing dissatisfaction among Independents and Democrats, mirroring a trend observed since the confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett. Simultaneously, the court’s approval rating has become highly polarized, with a significant divide between Republicans and Democrats, and public confidence in the federal judiciary has dipped to near-record lows.
Read the original article here
Americans increasingly see the Supreme Court as too conservative, and this is a sentiment that’s gaining significant traction. It’s not just about the political leaning anymore; it’s about a perceived shift towards a more extreme ideology and, crucially, a perceived erosion of the fundamental principles that the Court is supposed to uphold. The core issue, as many see it, isn’t just that the Court is conservative, but that it’s become increasingly detached from established legal precedent, and appears to disregard the checks and balances of the system.
The perception that the Supreme Court is acting more like a political body than a neutral arbiter of the law is fueling this discontent. The frequent overturning of long-standing precedents, the use of the “shadow docket” for controversial decisions, and a general sense of judicial activism, especially coming from a party that has historically decried such practices, have contributed to this disillusionment. The hypocrisy, as some put it, is glaring, and it’s eroding public trust.
One of the most alarming aspects is the perceived abandonment of the Court’s duty to check the power of the executive branch. The idea that the Court would not or could not restrain potential abuses of power from the White House creates a profound sense of unease. This concern is amplified by the fact that some see the court as protective of certain groups and individuals, while disregarding the established rules.
It’s important to note that the issue isn’t purely about political labels, but about the perceived integrity and impartiality of the Court. For many, the current Court’s actions are not merely “conservative,” but rather, “corrupt” and “authoritarian.” This sentiment cuts across political lines, with a significant portion of the population, including Democrats and Independents, expressing disapproval of the Court’s direction.
The issue here is that many Americans are starting to perceive that the very foundation of their legal system is being undermined. The Supreme Court is meant to be the final word on the Constitution, but if it is seen as being influenced by other motives, then there is a significant risk that the entire system loses legitimacy.
This is where the calls for reform come into play. The idea of restructuring the Court, establishing greater transparency, and re-evaluating how precedents are overturned has gained traction. These proposals, along with ideas about expanding the court to better represent society, reflect a deep-seated frustration with the current situation. People aren’t just concerned about the decisions being made; they’re concerned about the process and the perceived lack of accountability.
The poll results aren’t just about the numbers. They represent a growing sense of urgency and a recognition that the Supreme Court’s actions have real-world consequences. The long-term impact of these decisions, especially on issues related to civil rights, individual liberties, and the balance of power, is a source of anxiety and concern.
The situation is further complicated by the lack of concrete action from those in power. While public opinion is shifting, the political landscape presents significant obstacles to meaningful reform. The Supreme Court is unlikely to change its course based on public polls alone. And some question why these results are not being taken seriously by the party in power.
It is evident that those with a lack of trust in the Supreme Court feel as though the Court has abandoned its duty to check the powers of the executive branch. The result is a loss of faith in the institutions that protect citizens.
The discontent is widespread. It’s not just about conservative rulings; it’s about a perceived lack of fairness, a lack of adherence to the rule of law, and a growing sense that the Court is out of touch with the values and concerns of the American people. The longer this situation continues, the greater the risk to the legitimacy of the Supreme Court and the principles it is meant to uphold. The Supreme Court is failing to hold the White House back from abuses of power and Congress has abdicated its power. This is leading to a failed republic.