Synopsis: It's known as the court of last resort--the Supreme Court--where nine judges appointed for life make monumental decisions that govern our everyday lives, from the contents of the nation's daily newspapers to what we can do in the privacy of our own homes. With immense power and considerable mystery, the court of final appeal has helped author the history of America. But even though it is one of the pillars of American democracy--the ultimate interpreter of the Constitution--no television series has ever fully profiled the inner workings of the court. Until now.

By fusing history with biography, The Supreme Court humanizes the enigmatic black-robed figures, revealing their temperaments, passions, deeply held personal beliefs, and life stories. The series also explores the dramatic stories of the people whose cases have come before the court, as well as the often controversial rulings that impact all Americans.

Cast:
David Strathairn .... Narrator

Notes:
• The Supreme Court is a four-part series and is supported by an ambitious national outreach effort, including a companion Web site on PBS.org; a widely distributed discussion guide; a companion book published by Times Books, an imprint of Henry Holt and Company, written by noted columnist and journalist Jeffrey Rosen, professor of law at George Washington University Law School; and a four-DVD box set released by Ambrose Video in time for broadcast.

Critical Praise & Commentary:
• "Actor David Strathairn is the superb narrator." -Hal Boedeker, Orlando Sentinel

• "If the series feels too dense at times, the narration throughout by David Strathairn (Good Night, and Good Luck's Edward R. Murrow himself) soothes." -Florangela Davila, The Seattle Times

• "Crisply narrated by David Strathairn (playing that Murrow fellow clearly agreed with him)..." -Brian Lowry, Variety

Related Links:
Official U.S. Site (off site)
PBS Preview: The Supreme Court (off site)
The Supreme Court PBS Press Release (off site)