Court System

The objective of this series is to clarify the role of the Supreme Court in relation to the other branches and levels of government in the U.S. by dramatizing some of the major precedents established by Chief Justice John Marshall. To a large extent, it is through his incisive interpretation of the powers-and limitations-of the Court in the landmark cases highlighted in this series, that the Supreme Court has been able to maintain the relevance of the Constitution over the last two hundred years and more. Introduced by retired Chief Justice Warren E. Burger, narrated by E. G. Marshall. 6-part series, 30 minutes each.

Does the Constitution give the states or Congress the right to regulate commerce? In 1818, a steamboat was ordered to leave New York waters because it had no license to operate within the state. In this case, the Marshall court ruled that the federal government did have the power to regulate commerce and in so doing laid the foundation for a unified American common market. (30 minutes)

Every year, hundreds of thousands of convicts appear before parole and clemency boards to plead for early release. This hard-hitting program draws viewers into the formidable decision-making process as boards in Boston, Las Vegas, and Leesville, Louisiana, grapple with harrowing cases of second-degree murder, armed robbery, and manslaughter. Compelling footage of the actual hearings, intense crime reenactments, and powerful interviews with parole and clemency board members, experts, and those most intimately touched by these violent felonies make this an educational experience not to be missed. Viewer discretion is advised. An HBO Production. (67 minutes)

With every ruling, the nine justices of the U.S. Supreme Court shape the judicial landscape of America-and the lives of its citizens. In this NewsHour program, Robert MacNeil and other esteemed journalists take a close look at several renowned jurists and their decisions. Episodes include... • Remembering Harry Blackmun: Robert MacNeil considers the Blackmun legacy with Kathleen Sullivan, professor of law at Stanford University; Harvard University's Charles Fried; Stuart Taylor, correspondent for The American Lawyer magazine; and Yale University's Harold Koh, a former law clerk for Justice Blackmun on the Supreme Court. • Gergen Dialogue-William Rehnquist and Civil Liberties in Wartime: David Gergen, editor-at-large of U.S. News & World Report, talks with Chief Justice William Rehnquist about his book All the Laws but One: Civil Liberties in Wartime. • Sandra Day O'Connor-The Early Years: Gwen Ifill and Justice Sandra Day O'Connor reflect on O'Connor's formative years growing up on the family cattle ranch as they discuss her autobiography Lazy B. • Conversation-Sandra Day O'Connor and the Majesty of Law: Jan Crawford Greenburg, Supreme Court reporter for the Chicago Tribune, talks with Justice Sandra Day O'Connor about women in the legal profession, major court decisions, and her book The Majesty of the Law: Reflections of a Supreme Court Justice. • Conversation-Stephen Breyer and Active Liberty: Chicago Tribune national legal affairs correspondent Jan Crawford Greenburg talks with Justice Stephen Breyer about his judicial philosophy, changes in the court since Chief Justice John Roberts' arrival, and his book Active Liberty: Interpreting Our Democratic Constitution. • Sandra Day O'Connor and Stephen Breyer on Judicial Independence: Gwen Ifill is joined by former Justice Sandra Day O'Connor and Justice Stephen Breyer, who air their views on the vital importance of an independent judiciary-and their concerns about threats to it. (67 minutes)

Who determines what the Constitution means: the Supreme Court, Congress, or the President? This 1803 case established the judiciary's authority to interpret the Constitution. Marshall's insistence on the principle of judicial review" of acts of Congress brought him into conflict with President Thomas Jefferson, but established the court's responsibility. (30 minutes)"

How has the Supreme Court reinforced the Constitution's requirement for a strong federal government? Can the states interfere with or tax the legitimate activities of the federal government? This unpopular decision dealt a blow to states' rights by reaffirming the validity of the federal government to charter a bank (in Maryland) and striking down the state's attempts to tax this federally established institution. (30 minutes)

In this program, various legal experts explain pretrial and trial procedures, pointing out along the way differences in juvenile proceedings. Judges and lawyers navigate the pretrial process, beginning with the establishment of probable cause and formal charging by grand jury. Indictment, pretrial release, bail, and arraignment are also discussed. Such concepts as an alibi, burden of proof, and reasonable doubt are clearly explained. Finally, a panel of experts comments on a sentencing hearing and punishment, along with the defendant's constitutional right to appeal. A Cambridge Educational Production. (28 minutes)

The vast majority of criminal cases end in plea bargains. No one argues that this is the most just way-only the most efficient. This program examines what happens when the deal is struck: who gets out of jail, who doesn't, and who decides what kind of deal to make. Filmed behind the scenes, deep inside the nation's criminal justice system, it presents an ugly picture that has little to do with justice. (26 minutes)

Formed in 1966 as part of President Johnson's War on Poverty, Legal Services provides free legal assistance in civil matters to those who cannot afford counsel. Using New Jersey as a microcosm of the condition of the impoverished throughout America, this program highlights the crucial work of Legal Services and its basic premise: without equal access, there is no equal justice. Case studies show both the judicial and human dynamics of resolving family matters, consumer matters, housing evictions, public entitlement disputes, and welfare and Social Security issues. The program also contains interviews with state and federal judges, as well as staff members and the president of Legal Services of New Jersey, Melville D. Miller, Jr. (52 minutes)

In November of 2006, Chief Justice of the United States John Roberts sat down with ABC News legal correspondent Jan Crawford Greenburg for his first network television interview-which happened to take place before 3,600 spectators at the University of Miami. This ABC News program documents that conversation, presenting Roberts' behind-the-scenes story of his nomination and offering a glimpse of the inner workings of the U.S. Supreme Court. Chief Roberts also shares his views on the role of the Chief Justice and the importance of the Supreme Court in American society. This special edition includes Chief Roberts' informative and inspiring speech to the students. (76 minutes)

Every year there are approximately 120,000 jury trials in the United States. The right to trial by jury is guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution. This video explores the origins of the jury trial, explains the jury's crucial role in our judicial system, and introduces students to the courtroom and the process of a trial. The program is divided into the following sections: The History of Jury Trials; What Trial Juries Do; Who's Who in the Courtroom; Qualifications for Jury Service; What Happens During a Trial; Alternatives to Jury Trials; The Grand Jury; and Pros and Cons of Jury Trials.Combining courtroom scenes, archival footage, and interviews, the video provides a valuable introduction to the basics of the U.S. system of justice. Key subjects include: historical antecedents such as trial by combat and trial by ordeal; an overview of the constitutional guarantees to jury trial; the role of juries in criminal and civil cases; the process of jury selection; jury deliberations and verdicts; and the future of jury trials.A Cambridge Educational Production. One 35-minute video.