On This Day, February 1, 1790, marked the inaugural session of the U.S. Supreme Court, a cornerstone event in the establishment of the United States’ judicial system. Held in the Royal Exchange Building in New York City, which was then the nation’s capital, this first meeting laid the groundwork for the nation’s highest court, though it would not hear its first case until 1792.
The U.S. Supreme Court was established by the Judiciary Act of 1789, part of the new government’s efforts under the Constitution to create a balanced system of federal judiciary. Initially, the Court consisted of six justices who were appointed by President George Washington. Among them was John Jay, who became the first Chief Justice of the United States.
The creation of the Supreme Court was a significant development in American history, providing a mechanism for interpreting and applying the Constitution to legal disputes and ensuring a federal system that could balance the powers of state and federal governments. Over the centuries, the Supreme Court has played a crucial role in shaping U.S. law and society through landmark decisions on rights, liberties, and the scope of government power.
