Stop Demonizing Each Other

Ever since we lost RBG, much has been written or talked about concerning the role of the Supreme Court. As I listen to and read the wide range of arguments and angst about the court, most people’s views appear to be driven along two axis.

The first axis is the breadth of the Supreme Court’s power. On one side, there are those that believe that the court’s power is very narrow. The court exists to ensure that laws and lower court rulings are constitutional and follow the hierarchy of laws. Others believe that the court is responsible for ensuring that laws are just and serve the general good. They believe that the court’s powers are very broad. They believe that the court is justified in addressing societal issues that are not being addressed by the Congress or the Executive branch if the impacts of not doing so will result in irreparable harm to society.

The second axis is the actual interpretation of the words of the constitution. One group believes that the constitution is intended to offer broad guidance and purposely does not dive into too many details in order to make it more adaptable to changes in society. The second group believes in a narrow interpretation of the constitution. If the constitution does not directly address an issue, they do not believe that it is the court’s responsibility to read between the lines.

Most people appear to fall into two categories based on these axis. They have a broad view of the powers of the Supreme Court and a broad view of the words of the constitution. The second group has a narrow view of the powers of the Supreme Court and a narrow view of how the words of the constitution should be interpreted.

Both groups have a rational and logical position. Can we please stop demonizing either group for their views of the Supreme Court?