In the midst of a worldwide pandemic and an election year, the U.S. Supreme Court has also become a prevalent topic that is gripping the nation. 

On Sept. 18, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg passed away after 27 years of service on the Supreme Court. 

The role of the Supreme Court is to interpret the Constitution and ensure that America has equal justice under law.

“The Supreme Court is made up of Constitutional scholars who are tasked with making sure our laws do not violate the Constitution,” social studies teacher Fara Stewart said. “I think the Supreme Court is one of the most important roles (perhaps the most important) in our national government.”

The Court contains nine Justices, a number fixed by the Judiciary Act of 1869, who serve for life unless they are impeached or pass away. When there is a vacant spot on the Supreme Court, first the president will nominate someone and then the Senate confirms the nomination through a vote. 

But with an election upcoming, whether or not a new Supreme Court Justice should be chosen right now is being highly debated. Currently, President Donald Trump has put up a nomination for Amy Coney Barrett. 

“So there is bipartisan support for leaving a seat vacant for at least six months during an election year,” said Stewart. “Since both parties have agreed at one time or another that Supreme Court vacancies should not be filled within six months of an election, I think the current Senate should honor that commitment and wait.”

Stewart agreed that this nomination could be just as or more important than the presidential election taking into consideration how long Justices serve and how long a ruling of the Supreme Court can influence the nation. 

“They are appointed for life, which is longer than any president can serve,” she said. “The real impact is in how long a single Supreme Court ruling can influence our nation. Barrett, the current nominee, is only 48 years old. Even if she only lives to the age of 70, that allows her 22 years to serve on the Supreme Court. Ruther Bader Ginsburg, whom she will be replacing, was 87 when she passed.”