U.S. Supreme Court
The U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled on an election finance issue that could alter the landscape of campaigning — again. The court’s 5-4 decision on Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission struck down key provisions on and limitations to spending by corporate entities on elections.
The chambers of the U.S. Supreme Court represent a special place for Americans. And with that lofty status comes a fair amount of stuffiness.
The court deals with serious legal matters, and while from time to time, a sliver of levity makes its way into hearings, for the most part, the chamber takes on a signature that mirrors the seriousness of the issue at hand.
The U.S. court system historically leads the way when it comes to transparency in government. The Constitution established the right to a jury trial and with it came the longstanding belief that perhaps no part of government deserves more public scrutiny than the courts.
In the U.S., only one court operates in almost total secrecy — no access to its records, deliberations or rulings.
