The Role Of The Supreme Court In Shaping Civil Rights Jurisprudence
- IJLLR Journal
- 13 hours ago
- 1 min read
Ankita Sanjiv Gaikwad, Savitribai Phule Pune University
ABSTRACT
The Supreme Court has historically played a pivotal role in interpreting constitutional rights and shaping civil rights jurisprudence in the United States. This research paper critically examines the transformative impact of landmark Supreme Court decisions on the evolution of civil rights, from the post-Reconstruction era to contemporary debates on LGBTQ+ rights and racial equality. By analyzing key rulings such as Brown v. Board of Education (1954), Loving v. Virginia (1967), and Obergefell v. Hodges (2015), this study explores how judicial decisions have influenced and often led public discourse and legislative action in the realm of civil liberties. This paper identifies a critical research gap in understanding the Supreme Court’s dual role as both a legal interpreter and an agent of social transformation. By addressing this, the study provides a nuanced understanding of the Court’s jurisprudential strategies and their long-term implications. The findings suggest that civil rights progress has often depended on the Court's willingness to assert constitutional principles ahead of prevailing societal attitudes. The study concludes with reflections on the Court's ongoing role in civil rights issues and recommendations for future research into judicial influence on emerging civil liberties.
Keywords: Supreme Court of India, Civil Rights Jurisprudence, Fundamental Rights, Constitutional Interpretation, Human Rights Law, Public Interest Litigation (PIL), Indian Constitution, Landmark Judgments, Equality and Non-discrimination, Right to Privacy.
