How does the Supreme Court interpret laws?

• A. By applying constitutional interpretation and considering precedent, as well as text and intent.
• B. By voting on new statutes.
• C. By enforcing laws at the federal level only.
• D. By creating new statutes.

Answer: (C)

The Supreme Court interprets laws by examining how a statute fits with the Constitution, reading the law’s text in light of its purpose, and comparing it to prior decisions to stay consistent with precedent. Courts look at the words of the law, the intent of the Framers and Congress, and how similar cases have been decided in the past. This combination—constitutional analysis, statutory text and purpose, and stare decisis—helps determine whether a law is constitutional and how it should be applied.

This isn’t about creating new laws or enforcing them. Policymaking and enforcement belong to Congress and the executive branch, while the Court’s job is to interpret and apply laws and constitutional limits. The Court does not vote on new statutes, nor does it enforce laws at the federal level.