Question

Emma, a 24-year-old Hispanic woman, pressed charges of sexual harassment against Jonathan, a politician. The case became sensational because the accused was one of the strongest candidates in the upcoming elections. In the case's final stage, the United States Supreme Court issued a verdict that cleared Jonathan of all charges on the grounds of lack of evidence. The ruling spurred angry protests from many interest groups, especially Hispanic women, and they wanted the verdict reversed. According to the prevalent system, which among the following would overturn the verdict in this case?

A. a mass petition from the public

B. an appeal from the minority population

C. a law passed by Congress

D. a ruling by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

E. a petition from the United States Women Rights Council

Answer 1

To potentially overturn a Supreme Court verdict, a law passed by Congress is the only listed option that could lead to a change in the legal landscape affecting the case. Mass petitions, appeals from minority populations, or petitions from interest groups do not have the power to reverse a Supreme Court decision.

Step-by-step explanation:

When the United States Supreme Court issues a verdict, such as the case in the provided hypothetical situation where Jonathan, a politician, was cleared of sexual harassment charges against Emma, there are limited pathways to overturn that decision. The public’s response, including mass petitions, an appeal from the minority population, or petitions from interest groups like the United States Women Rights Council, generally cannot reverse a Supreme Court verdict.

The only option from those listed that could potentially lead to an overturn is a law passed by Congress, which can, in some circumstances, nullify a court's decision or alter the legal landscape, making the previous ruling obsolete or prompting a new legal consideration of the case. However, this process is complex and cannot directly reverse a Supreme Court decision on a specific case post-verdict.