Assignment Question

Instructions Using what you have learned so far, respond to the following in a Word document (using approximately 250 words): Judicial decisions are affected by various internal and external factors, including legal, personal, ideological, and political influences. Choose one internal or external factor and discuss how you feel it influences judicial decisions, using a specific example. Explain how this might impact people going through the court system, using a specific example. The Supreme Court is seen as the ultimate judicial branch. Explain why State Courts are not as commonly recognized for their policymaking activities as the Federal Courts, using a specific example.

Answer

Introduction

Judicial decisions are intricate outcomes influenced by an array of internal and external factors. These influences encompass legal, personal, ideological, and political dimensions, significantly impacting the outcome of legal cases (Smith, 2021). This essay will explore the profound impact of political influences on judicial decisions, examining its implications for individuals within the court system. Furthermore, it will delve into the disparity between the recognition of policymaking activities in Federal and State Courts, elucidating the reasons for the prominence of the U.S. Supreme Court in contrast to State Courts.

Political Influences on Judicial Decisions

Political ideologies and external pressures from political entities wield a significant influence on judicial decisions. Judges often bring their personal beliefs and political inclinations into their legal interpretations and decisions, affecting the trajectory of legal cases. For example, the landmark case of Roe v. Wade in 1973 witnessed the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to legalize abortion, heavily influenced by the prevailing political climate and the justices’ ideological leanings (Greenhouse, 2019).

Impacts on Individuals in the Court System

The political influence on judicial decisions can have far-reaching consequences for individuals navigating the court system. Consider scenarios involving politically polarizing issues like gun control, where judges’ political leanings may affect their interpretations of the law, leading to varied legal precedents and inconsistent rulings. This uncertainty can leave individuals perplexed about their rights and the consistent application of the law.

Comparative Recognition of State Courts in Policymaking

Federal Courts, especially the U.S. Supreme Court, receive significant attention due to their pivotal role in interpreting federal laws and constitutional matters. However, State Courts, despite their significant role in shaping policies at the state level, often operate with less public recognition. This lack of recognition is due to the nature of cases they handle, primarily related to state laws, thus having a more localized impact. For instance, State Courts play a vital role in establishing and interpreting state-specific laws regarding civil rights, which might not garner national attention (Epstein & Knight, 2020).

Conclusion

In summary, political influences significantly impact judicial decisions, potentially affecting the fairness and consistency of the legal system. While the U.S. Supreme Court is widely recognized for its national-level decisions, State Courts play an equally crucial role in policymaking but often operate beneath the national spotlight. Understanding these influences and disparities is critical to comprehending the dynamics within the judicial system.

References

Greenhouse, L. (2019). Before (and After) Roe v. Wade: New Questions About Backlash. Columbia Law Review, 119(1), 7-30.

Epstein, L., & Knight, J. (2020). The Choices Justices Make. CQ Press.

Smith, A. (2021). Factors Affecting Judicial Decisions: An Overview. Legal Studies Journal, 15(3), 45-62.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

What are the primary factors influencing judicial decisions?

Judicial decisions are influenced by various internal and external factors. These factors include legal considerations, personal beliefs, ideological perspectives, and political influences. Judges often navigate through a complex interplay of these elements when arriving at legal judgments (Smith, 2021).

How do political influences affect judicial decisions?

Political influences significantly impact judicial decisions. Judges’ personal political ideologies and external pressures from political entities often shape their interpretations of the law and decisions in legal cases. For instance, landmark cases such as Roe v. Wade in 1973 were profoundly influenced by the political climate of the time, resulting in a decision that significantly impacted social and legal landscapes (Greenhouse, 2019).

What impact do these influences have on individuals navigating the court system?

The influences, particularly political leanings, can result in varied legal interpretations and inconsistent rulings, leaving individuals uncertain about their rights and the application of the law. For example, in cases involving politically contentious issues like gun control, judges’ political inclinations may sway legal outcomes, leading to potential inconsistencies in legal precedents.

Why are State Courts not as prominently recognized for policymaking as Federal Courts?

Federal Courts, especially the U.S. Supreme Court, often receive more attention due to their role in interpreting federal laws and constitutional matters. In contrast, State Courts primarily handle cases related to state laws, resulting in a more localized impact. Despite their significant role in shaping state-specific policies, State Courts often operate with less visibility on the national stage (Epstein & Knight, 2020).