Is The Supreme Court the Most Powerful Branch of the Government?

Guest: University of Minnesota Morse Alumni Distinguished Professor of Political Science and Law Timothy Johnson

The founders of the United States envisioned the Supreme Court as the weakest of the three branches of government. But even a one-term president can nominate Supreme Court justices who, if confirmed by the Senate, can sit on the bench for life. The presidential impact on public policy can extend well beyond their tenure in office. Despite the founder’s intentions, many scholars now believe that the Supreme Court is the most powerful branch of government. University of Minnesota Morse Alumni Distinguished Professor of Political Science and Law Timothy Johnson—a nationally recognized Supreme Court expert—shares his insights on how the Court functions and why its influence has grown over the decades. You can hear Professor Johnson speak on this topic at the U of M College of Continuing and Professional Studies Headliners event on October 10.