Final answer:
In the United States, courts apply and interpret laws based on the Constitution, adhering to secular and equitable principles of justice as outlined by the rule of law, not divine law. The Supreme Court is the highest authority in the U.S. judicial system, serving to ensure laws are applied fairly in line with the Constitution and not divine law.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement "Under divine law, the purpose of the courts is to apply God's law so that his justice can be served" leans toward theological interpretations of justice and law. In the context of the United States, the court's purpose is to interpret and enforce laws according to the Constitution, ensuring equality and justice within a secular legal framework. This is in line with the rule of law which mandates that society and its institutions are accountable to rules and standards that are fairly applied. The U.S. judiciary, with the Supreme Court at its apex, serves as an interpreter of the Constitution, ensuring that laws are applied equitably and justice is served in accordance with secular values, rather than divine law. The medieval philosopher Thomas Aquinas did recognize divine law but asserted that human laws must align with natural laws and reason, and his view informs the natural law theory, not necessarily the operation of modern secular courts.