The US supreme court's shift from neutral umpire to political player in the post-Trump era : unintended consequences for reproductive rights, affirmative action, and marriage equality

Abstract EN

The present study aims to highlight the changing role of the US Supreme Court after the recent landmark decision to overturn Roe v.

Wade.

The nature of this topic necessitates the use of a mixed-method approach: descriptive and analytical.

The descriptive part of this research paper is used to understand the socio-historical context of the US Supreme Court and the role it played in the American political system in order to provide justice for minorities and women.

The analytical approach, on the other hand, is used to evaluate the unintended consequences of any change to this particular role.

This research work chose six landmark cases that altered the original role of the US Supreme Court, from an interpreter of the US constitution to a second legislative body.

The pertinent literature that was reviewed and the data that was collected showed that there was increased distrust in the US Supreme court among the public.

This translated in several measures that were taken at the political and popular levels to undermine its legitimacy and further increase its partisanship and divisiveness; like the proposed plans to expand the court along ideological lines.

The evidence is clear: when political and ideological agendas drive legal policies through ideological nominations and political pressure whether through necessity or convenience unwelcomed implications will ensue.

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