Today in Supreme Court History: December 15, 1791

On December 15, 1791, the Bill of Rights was adopted, marking a significant moment in American jurisprudence. The essay discusses the historical context of its ratification, highlighting its role in protecting individual liberties against government overreach and its foundational principles as articulated by the Founding Fathers. The piece argues against the view that the Bill of Rights was merely a political compromise, asserting instead that the amendments were crucial for establishing a civil rights framework that the Supreme Court would interpret and enforce. The analysis emphasizes the ongoing relevance of constitutional protections in contemporary debates about civil liberties and government power.