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No. Formal, written laws are made by Congress or by state legislatures, and are called enacted laws. The US Supreme Court is not a legislative (law-making) body, but its decisions carry the rule of law. Judicial decisions may become common law, (or case law) which is enforceable, but different from the enacted laws created by the Senate and House of Representatives. Congress and the state legislatures may codify common law, or transform it into enacted law, by passing legislation. The courts do not participate in this type of law-making.
It is important to remember that not all judicial decisions create common law; most simply interpret or apply existing laws.
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All laws must agree with what document?
All laws must agree with the United States Constitution. If a law does not abide by the constitution, it can be challenged by the Supreme court.
What does The supremacy clause of the Constitution forbids?
States from passing laws that contradict federal law.
Does the Judicial Branch interpret laws?
Yes! It makes sure that all laws run smoothly and people follow the laws. This branch includes the Supreme Court and juries and other people.
Why were precedents set by the supreme court with marshall as chief justice important?
This was the first sitting Supreme Court of the USA. Every decision made by that court established the original precedent for all subsequent cases in the USA. Perhaps the most important was Marbury vs Madison where the precedent was established for the Supreme Court to review laws for "Constitutionality".
What did the US Supreme Court rule in Furman v Georgia?
In Furman vs. Georgia the court ruled that all existing death penalty laws violated the constitution.
