This November 11, the US Supreme Court declined a request to reconsider its landmark 2015 decision to legalize same-sex marriage nationwide.
The petition was filed by Kim Davis, the former Kentucky county clerk who defied a court order in 2015 by refusing to issue same-sex marriage licenses, citing her religious beliefs. Namely, Davis asked the Supreme Court to reverse an order requiring her to pay over US$300,000 for failing to issue the licenses and to overturn the 2015 decision that legalized same-sex marriage. Now, the Court has denied Davis’ petition without offering any comment.
Indeed, the Supreme Court of the United States has issued numerous decisions that have shaped the nation into what it is today. For centuries, it has been the center and the heartbeat of the American judicial branch of government. The nine justices who serve on the Supreme Court are expected to be the foremost experts on the Constitution and the existing laws of the land. More importantly, they are expected to interpret and amend legislation without prejudice or regard for their own politics.
Nonetheless, the Court has made a number of rulings that sparked outcry and fury amongst the populace. For better or worse, the Supreme Court makes the decisions that cannot be (or refuse to be) solved on the local or state levels. Indeed, some of America's most significant moments and eras have been brought on by the decisions of these nine justices.
Intrigued? Read on to learn about some of the most impactful decisions of the Supreme Court of the United States.