Eight Little-Known Facts About the History of the US Justice System
History of the U.S. Justice System, The US Justice System is one of the oldest in the world. Founded in the late eighteenth century, the system has come a long way in ensuring that justice is upheld through the country. Here is a look at eight little-known facts about the history of the US Justice System:
1. The Constitution was Written with an Eye on Sustained Legal Evolution
The Founding Fathers of the United States went to great lengths to ensure that the country’s legal system was models after the English common law tradition. History of the U.S. Justice System, This ensured that the document would be easy to adapt to new circumstances, such as as social or technological advancements.
2. First Federal Court was Set up in 1790
The very first federal court to be set up in the US was the Supreme Court. History of the U.S. Justice System, It was established in 1790 and tasked with adjudicating cases dealing with federal law matters. Over the last two centuries, this court has grown in importance and is now one of the most important legal bodies in the country.
3. A Modified Version of English Common Law is Used in the US
Although the US Constitution is modeled after the English common law, it is not an exact copy. The Founding Fathers chose to make modifications to ensure that their new legal system was better regarded to ensure justice for their new Republic. These changes have meant that although the US justice system may look and feel like the English common law tradition, it is actually very different.
4. Early Trials Involved Jury Members from the Community
In the early days of the legal system, trials were often decided by a jury of local residents. This was intended to provide members of the community with a say in the outcome of cases, as well as to prevent discriminatory practices.
5. The First Women Lawyers Appeared in the Early 1900s
It was not until the early 1900s that the legal system began to accept women lawyers. It was still a very rare phenomenon at the time, and even today women are vastly outnumbered by men in the legal profession.
6. The Supreme Court has Not Always Been the Top Legal Authority in the US
Although the Supreme Court is now the highest legal authority in the US, it was not always the case. In fact, prior to the late 1800s it was only responsible for adjudicating cases related to federal law.
7. The US Constitution Grants Citizens Certain Rights and Protections
The US Constitution enshrines a number of fundamental rights and protections for US citizens. These include the right to free speech, to bear arms, to privacy, and to a fair trial.
8. The US Justice System is Always Evolving
The US Justice System is not a static entity. It is constantly evolving as new challenges and issues are identified. Legal reform is an important part of the justice system, as it ensures that laws and regulations remain current and effective.
In conclusion, the US Justice System is one of the oldest in the world, and has gone through a lot of evolution over the centuries. It is constantly evolving to meet the needs of the citizens of the United States. By looking at these eight little-known facts, it is clear to see how the US justice system has evolved over the years.
Eight Little-Known Facts About the History of the U.S. Justice System
