When the Supreme Court handed down its decision in Brown v. Board of Education, on May 17, 1954, it was big news. The Times gave the story banner headlines and ten pages of coverage. The case had been before the Justices since 1952, and it was common knowledge that a decision had been in the works. Many people probably anticipated the outcome, although maybe not that the opinion would be unanimous. Everyone, though, had the same question: Now what?
There is a reason for all the Hogwarts-like trappings that surround the Supreme Court—the super-secret conferences, the ban on cameras, the fact that the Justices read their opinions from a dais, that they never hold press conferences, that they wear black robes. All this gravitas masks the reality that the Court’s powers are largely paper powers. When the Court issues an opinion, it is basically waving a wand in the hope that something will happen. As Alexander Hamilton put it, the Court “has no influence over either the sword or the purse.” The sword belongs to the executive branch, as does the Department of Justice, and unless an Administration is prepared to enforce the Court’s decisions the Court is almost powerless to see that they are carried out.
Esta historia es de la edición August 07, 2023 de The New Yorker.
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Esta historia es de la edición August 07, 2023 de The New Yorker.
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HEAT RISING
The era of the line cook.
UNSHATTERED
How the philosopher Charles Taylor would reënchant the world.
THE PLAGUE DOCTOR
Anthony Fauci on what's ailing America.
the buggy RODDY DOYLE
There were people at the far end of the beach. Some adults, a lot of children.
GHOSTS ON THE WATER
Glass eels are mysterious creatures—and worth a fortune to those who catch them.
THE CRACKDOWN
Fighting drug gangs, a young President declares war within his own country.
SMALL WONDER
How will nanomachines change our lives?
MIDDLE-AGE FANTASIES
You are seated on the examination table when the nurse enters. She’s tall and raven-haired, with enormous blue eyes and candy-red lips. She says hello with a husky Eastern European accent, which reminds you of a recent episode of “The Daily” about Polish elections.
IN SEARCH OF LOST TIME
The strange journey of John Lennon's stolen Patek Philippe watch.
GREAT MIGRATIONS
\"Home\" and \"What Became of Us.\"