SUNY Old Westbury marked the observance of Constitution Day 2026 with a presentation by Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs David Lanoue titled “The Changing Powers of the U.S. Supreme Court.”
Drawing on key moments in constitutional history, Lanoue explored how the Court acquired, expanded, and exercised its authority, while raising questions about its role in contemporary American politics.
“The Constitution does not say the Supreme Court has the right to tell you what the Constitution means,” he said before an audience of students, faculty and staff. “So how did they get that power? Well, the answer is they gave it to themselves.”
Referring to the landmark case Marbury v. Madison, Lanoue explained how Chief Justice John Marshall established the Court’s power to strike down acts of Congress, fundamentally reshaping the balance of power within the federal government. He also emphasized that the Court’s authority ultimately depends on public acceptance of its legitimacy.
“Really, the power of Supreme Court is simply our willingness to agree that they have that power,” said Lanoue.
The event was held on September 17, which is designated throughout the United States by federal law as Constitution Day to commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787. A political scientist by training with nearly 40 years of experience in higher education, Lanoue was well-positioned to mark the occasion.
Throughout the presentation, the provost traced the evolution of the Court’s influence from the Civil War era through the New Deal, the Warren Court, and modern controversies surrounding constitutional interpretation and precedent. He discussed how Supreme Court decisions have affected issues ranging from civil rights and religious freedom to privacy and abortion rights.
Lanoue argued that courts are often most popular when they exercise restraint and maintain public confidence.
“When the court has functioned most effectively, it has been judicious,” said Lanoue. “It has been considerate of precedent, it has let the people lead the way to certain levels of consensus, and then move forward once that consensus exists.”
Addressing current debates about the Supreme Court, Lanoue suggested that the nation is experiencing another period of significant judicial activism and institutional tension.
The presentation concluded with a question-and-answer session, during which attendees discussed topics including judicial legitimacy, court reform proposals, education, and the Court’s growing use of emergency rulings.
Throughout, Lanoue encouraged participants to think carefully about the consequences of institutional change and the importance of preserving democratic stability.
“It’s important to remember that political institutions have consequences, and [significantly altering] political institutions [also] has consequences,” he said.