We explored the definitions and roles of precedent ,judicial review, and stare decisis in the context of Hamilton's Federalist 78. After discussing the importance of precedent to ensure fairness and consistency, we studied Hamilton's arguments in #78 as to why federal judges should have life tenure. I emphasized how Hamilton argued that the judiciary is the weakest of the 3 branches without the power of the purse or the power of enforcement. Yet, today the US Supreme Court often is the institution that establishes public policy through ordering expansive remedies. I distributed an article from the Times outlining all of the critical policy cases currently before the court . Last, we examined how and why Hamilton argued the courts inherently had and needed to have the power of judicial review in order to ensure the liberty of the citizens .