The Supreme Court as referee

Judicial review is a crucial power of the Supreme Court, enabling interpretation of the Constitution and the ability to deem laws or executive actions unconstitutional. This authority was established in the 1803 case Marbury v Madison, despite not being explicitly stated in the Constitution. This ambiguity has led to numerous instances requiring definitive interpretation due to the Court's ultimate sovereignty. The politicization of judicial review has made the Supreme Court a key player in contentious issues such as abortion and gay marriage, which are often resolved through court decisions rather than legislation or referendums. This has resulted in numerous landmark cases in US history, although they are often seen as ongoing debates rather than definitive conclusions. The Court has the power to revisit and revise its rulings. As a result, the Court has turned into a battleground for continuous legal disputes in contentious areas with conflicting opinions. While the Constitution holds ultimate authority, the Supreme Court frequently interprets it anew.