Final answer:
In the U.S. legal system, the Constitution is the supreme authority. Courts, especially the Supreme Court, make decisions based on constitutional interpretation, legal precedents, and checks and balances. Discussions on judicial power include judicial review, philosophies, tenure, and constitutional authority.
Step-by-step explanation:
When discussing which authority the courts should side with, superior or inferior, it's essential to understand the context within which this question is posed. The most superior authority in the United States legal system is the Constitution, which is regarded as the supreme law of the land. Judicial decisions are often guided by constitutional interpretation, legal precedents, and statutory law.
The Supreme Court is structured to have ultimate appellate jurisdiction over all federal courts and over state court cases involving issues of constitutional law. The principle of judicial review, established in the landmark case of Marbury v. Madison, is central to understanding the balance of power within the courts. This case set the precedent for the Supreme Court's ability to invalidate laws and executive actions that are incompatible with the Constitution.
Judicial philosophy, adherence to precedents, and checks and balances are fundamental concepts affecting judicial power and decision-making. For instance, a conservative judicial philosophy may emphasize a strict interpretation of the Constitution, while a liberal philosophy might endorse a more flexible, evolving understanding of its provisions. Judges and Justices are also constrained by external checks from the legislative and executive branches, as well as by internal limitations such as ethical rules and procedural protocols. The question of whether federal judges and Supreme Court justices should have lifetime tenure is one that debates the balance between judicial independence and accountability.