The highly controversial recent confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court marks an especially divisive moment in the history of America’s judicial branch. The Onion takes a look at the most pivotal moments in the Supreme Court’s 229-year history.
1789:
The Judiciary Act establishes the Supreme Court with a mandate to eventually fix all the things that the Constitution totally screwed up.
1832:
President Andrew Jackson decides to defy the Supreme Court’s ruling in Worcester v. Georgia after realizing that those Native American pussies don’t even have an army.
1869:
First Supreme Court group photo ruined by Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase blinking.
1901:
After months of striking, the Fuller court negotiates an eight-hour workday for all justices in the U.S.
1919:
Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. argues that one cannot falsely yell “Fire!” in a crowded theater even if the play is total garbage.
1926:
For 19 hours, the Supreme Court is apolitical for the only time in its history.
1938:
Congress regrets permitting lifetime appointments after 187-year-old original Justice James Iredell continues to refuse calls to step down.
1954:
Brown v. Board of Education eliminates racial segregation on paper.
1995:
Court gets hopes up that they’ll be able to meet O.J. Simpson, but his case never goes that far.
2018:
Brett Kavanaugh becomes 56th justice whose confirmation disgraces the institution of America’s highest judicial body.