UNITED STATES SENATE COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY

 

Topic

  • Topic 1: Discussing affirmative action in employment

  • Topic 2: Addressing government surveillance in the United States

Committee Introduction

The United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary is one of the standing committees in the Senate, the upper body of Congress. Established in 1816, The Committee is an invaluable piece to the puzzle that is the government of the United States of America. Rooting its origins from a select committee of eight Senators who drafted the Judiciary Act of 1789, which is one of America’s first and foundational Acts that would go onto shape the workings of another part of government, the judiciary, the Committee itself has practically grown alongside the United States, witnessing the nation’s growth. It is perhaps because of this longevity that the committee is often regarded as one of the most influential committees in Congress as a whole. 

Consisting of 21 senators from 19 states, the Committee has broad legislative jurisdiction and has assured its primary role as a forum of public discussion of issues relating to the society and the Constitution. As a part of the legislative branch, the Committee works and oversees key activities of the executive branch, namely the Department of Justice(DOJ) and other bodies under the Department’s jurisdiction, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation(FBI) and the Department of Homeland Security(DHS). Alongside direct oversight over the aforementioned governmental bodies, the Committee also involves itself in the confirmation of federal appointees and all Article III judicial nominations.

Apart from its jurisdiction regarding other governmental bodies, it also has powers of its own, most notably the power to draft bills and vote on them so that they become law. The matters the committee deals with is vast, ranging from matters such as civil liberties and rights to state and territorial boundary lines. With Senators being elected by the citizens of the United States, the Committee in turn represents the will of the people. At IVMUN 2024, delegates of this committee will experience in first person the responsibilities and duties of senators and carry out the wills of their constituencies, debating and compromising over issues that could bring about a nation-wide effect: affirmative action and government surveillance. 

A house divided cannot stand, and neither can the United States of America.