Most high courts in other nations do not have discretion, such as we enjoy, in selecting the cases that the high court reviews. Our court is virtually alone in the amount of discretion it has.

Sandra Day O’Connor

 

The Quote in Other Words

The level of discretion that our high court possesses in selecting cases for review is unique compared to most other high courts in other countries. They do not have the same level of freedom in choosing cases.

 

Explanation of the Quote

This quote highlights the unique position of the high court in the United States, which has a significant amount of discretion in selecting the cases it reviews. In contrast, most high courts in other nations do not have this level of discretion. This raises questions about the role of the high court in the American legal system and the potential implications of this discretion.

One possible explanation for this discretion is that it allows the high court to focus on cases that have the greatest impact on society and the legal system. However, it also raises concerns about the potential for bias or political influence in the selection process. Additionally, the high court’s discretion may contribute to the perception of the court as an elite institution that is out of touch with the needs and concerns of ordinary citizens.

Overall, this quote highlights the unique position of the high court in the American legal system and raises important questions about the role and impact of this discretion. It underscores the need for ongoing discussion and debate about the role of the high court and the potential implications of its decisions.