In the period of time directly following the creation of our nation, the judicial branch of our government was widely viewed as weaker than the legislative and executive branches. However, with the help of figures like John Marshall and Alexander Hamilton, the judicial branch gained the powers, such as judicial review, it had previously lacked. The powers held by federal judges have been crucial to the outcome of many historical events that shaped our country. At the same time, many have raised questions about if they have become too powerful in their ability to “take over” state and federal agencies. Numerous times in American history, federal judges have used their power to resolve issues and carry a heavy influence on those resolutions. Many examples of this comes from Judge Frank Johnson, who was perhaps the most vital person to the civil rights movement. Along with assisting the civil rights movement, he forced the state of Alabama to improve the living conditions inside their prisons. Johnson made sure that his requests were carried out by appointing a receiver who operated the prisons. He also forced mental hospitals to improve their treatment of patients and enforced the protection of those patients’ rights to be taken care of in a decent manner. He made sure that Congress increased the mental health budget so …show more content…
Arthur Garrity, who was known well for his handling of civil rights issues involving schools. After witnessing failed legislative attempts, Garrity took proper action to force the integration of Boston schools. He implemented the idea of busing to ensure schools in the city were equally mixed by race. The practice of busing was ultimately unsuccessful, however it paved the pathway for proper school desegregation. Judge Garrity’s authority over the mayor and school districts was a classic exhibit of the powers held by federal judges to “take over,” and how much control they actually