11:29 am - February 13, 2025
A New Poll Reveals Americans’ Stance on the Supreme Court and Presidential Compliance
Overview of the Poll and Its Key Findings
A recent poll conducted by Marquette Law School has shed light on Americans’ views regarding the role of the Supreme Court and the presidency. The survey, which was released on Thursday, found that an overwhelming majority of Americans—83%—believe that presidents are obligated to follow the rulings of the Supreme Court. This comes at a time when former President Donald Trump has been criticized for questioning the legitimacy of certain court decisions. The poll also revealed that just under 20% of respondents believe a president has the authority to ignore the Supreme Court’s rulings.
These findings highlight a significant aspect of American public opinion: even though many citizens disagree with specific decisions made by the Supreme Court, they still firmly support the rule of law and expect elected officials, including the president, to abide by judicial rulings. For instance, 62% of Americans oppose the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, and a similar percentage disagree with the court’s ruling last year that granted Trump sweeping immunity from criminal prosecution. Despite these disagreements, the poll shows that the public’s faith in the judiciary remains strong.
The Supreme Court’s Approval Rating and Public Confidence
Interestingly, the poll also found that 51% of adults approve of the job the Supreme Court is doing, marking the highest approval rating for the court in three years. This figure is notable, especially when compared to other institutions such as the presidency, Congress, the Department of Justice, and the national news media, all of which have lower approval ratings. This suggests that, despite criticism over certain rulings, the Supreme Court continues to be viewed as a trusted and integral part of the American government.
The survey, which was conducted between January 27 and February 5, has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points. Its findings provide valuable insights into the public’s perception of the judiciary and its role in upholding the rule of law. While political polarization remains a significant factor in American society, the poll indicates that a strong majority of citizens believe in the importance of the judiciary’s independence and the need for elected officials to respect its decisions.
Trump’s Stance on Compliance and the Role of the Judiciary
In light of these findings, former President Donald Trump recently addressed whether he would comply with court rulings that have temporarily blocked parts of his agenda. During a speech on Tuesday, Trump stated, "I always abide by the courts, and then I’ll have to appeal it." He also criticized the delays caused by legal challenges, arguing that they allow "crooked people more time to cover up the books." His comments suggest a pragmatic approach to dealing with judicial decisions, acknowledging the necessity of complying with court rulings while also expressing frustration with the slow pace of legal proceedings.
However, Trump’s vice president, JD Vance, a Yale-trained lawyer, seemed to challenge the idea of judicial oversight in a recent tweet. Vance wrote, "Judges aren’t allowed to control the executive’s legitimate power," a statement that some interpreted as questioning the authority of the judiciary to check the power of the executive branch. This stance appears to contradict the views of the majority of Americans, who believe that the president should respect and follow the rulings of the Supreme Court.
Public Opinion on Specific Supreme Court Rulings
The poll also delved into public opinion on specific cases currently before the Supreme Court. For example, 69% of adults, including a majority of both Democrats and Republicans, believe the Supreme Court should uphold a Texas law that requires individuals to prove they are not minors to access pornographic websites. A decision on this case is expected by the end of June. Additionally, more than 60% of respondents supported the Supreme Court’s decision in January to allow Trump’s sentencing in the New York hush money case.
These findings demonstrate that while Americans may disagree with certain rulings, they generally trust the Supreme Court to make decisions that align with the law and the public interest. The poll also underscores the complexity of public opinion, as individuals may hold conflicting views on specific issues while still supporting the broader principle of judicial authority.
The Broader Implications of the Poll
The results of the Marquette Law School poll have significant implications for the ongoing debate about the role of the judiciary in American democracy. They suggest that while political polarization and disagreements over specific rulings are real, there is still a strong consensus among Americans about the importance of the rule of law and the need for all branches of government to respect judicial decisions.
This poll also highlights the challenges faced by elected officials, particularly presidents, who must navigate the complexities of judicial rulings while advancing their policy agendas. As Trump’s comments illustrate, compliance with court decisions can sometimes be frustrating for political leaders, but the vast majority of Americans expect their leaders to abide by the law, even when they disagree with specific outcomes.
In conclusion, the Marquette Law School poll provides a fascinating snapshot of American attitudes toward the Supreme Court and the presidency. It shows that while there is widespread dissatisfaction with certain judicial decisions, there is still a deep-seated respect for the rule of law and the role of the judiciary in upholding it. As the country continues to grapple with political polarization and legal challenges, these findings remind us of the enduring importance of judicial independence and the need for elected officials to respect the authority of the courts.