Fact Check: "The Supreme Court of the United States was established in 1789."
What We Know
The claim that the Supreme Court of the United States was established in 1789 is rooted in historical events surrounding the formation of the federal judiciary. The U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1788, provided for the establishment of a Supreme Court but did not detail its structure or jurisdiction. This was addressed by the Judiciary Act of 1789, which was one of the first acts of the First Congress, signed into law by President George Washington on September 24, 1789 (source-2). The act established the Supreme Court, along with lower federal courts, and outlined their jurisdiction (source-4).
While the Supreme Court was legally established in 1789, it did not convene until February 1, 1790, when the justices first assembled (source-5). Thus, the court's operational existence began in 1790, even though its legal foundation was laid in 1789.
Analysis
The claim is partially true because it accurately reflects the establishment of the Supreme Court's legal framework in 1789 but overlooks the fact that the Court did not begin its functions until 1790. The Judiciary Act of 1789 was essential in defining the structure and jurisdiction of the federal judiciary, including the Supreme Court, thereby making 1789 a significant year in its establishment (source-3).
The sources used in this analysis are credible and provide a well-rounded view of the historical context. The National Archives and the U.S. Courts website are authoritative sources on U.S. legal history, while the Supreme Court Historical Society provides insights into the Court's traditions and operations (source-1, source-4). However, it is important to note that while the Judiciary Act established the Court, it did not imply that the Court was operational or fully functional until it convened in 1790.
Conclusion
The verdict is Partially True. The Supreme Court was legally established in 1789 with the passage of the Judiciary Act, but it did not actually convene and begin its judicial functions until 1790. Thus, while the claim captures a significant historical milestone, it lacks the nuance of the Court's operational timeline.
