How does the Supreme Court affect rights?

The Supreme Court affects rights primarily through its role in interpreting the Constitution of the United States. When the Supreme Court hears a case, it often involves questions about the protection of individual rights and the limits of governmental powers. Here are the logical steps outlining the process:

1. Case Selection: The Supreme Court selects cases that have significant legal implications, including those that directly involve constitutional rights.

2. Hearing Arguments: Once the Court has chosen to hear a case, both sides - the petitioner and the respondent - submit briefs and present oral arguments to the Court.

3. Legal Interpretation: The Supreme Court interprets the relevant statutes and constitutional provisions related to the case. This interpretation is focused on understanding the founders' intent, precedent, and the contemporary implications.

4. Decision and Ruling: After deliberation, the Court issues a decision. The majority opinion of the Court becomes the binding interpretation of the law.

5. Setting Precedent: Supreme Court decisions set legal precedents that lower courts must follow. This means that when the Supreme Court rules on a case involving rights, it is effectively shaping how those rights are to be understood and protected across the country.

6. Expansion or Restriction: Through its rulings, the Supreme Court can either expand or restrict rights. For instance, decisions can broaden the scope of civil liberties, like Freedom of Speech, or may limit them, for example by upholding certain governmental restrictions.

The cumulative effect of these decisions contributes to the evolving understanding of rights within the United States. Supreme Court rulings have had a profound impact on various rights including voting rights, privacy rights, rights to free speech, rights against discrimination, so on.