I love your balanced view--and your global perspective. I'm not sure about the US inventing public relations, but the media certainly can be hysterical.
It would be difficult to overemphasize the importance of the Court. It ruled, for example, notoriously, that a slave (Dred/Scott, 19th century) could be returned to its master, because a slave was property and could be claimed as such if captured, anywhere. This became the law of the land until the Civil War.
The Court also ruled, notoriously, that "separate could be equal" (Plessy v Fergusson---I think 1896) and therefore that segregation could legally be practiced everywhere in the United States. Separate bathrooms, drinking fountains, swimming pools, etc. Not until 1954, in Brown vs Board of Education, was segregation in public schools, specifically, rendered unconstitutional. This public school segregation doomed generations of black children in the US to substandard, underfunded educations.
There are books filled with equally momentous decisions made by the Supreme Court. And these decisions are binding on the whole country and cannot be overturned unless the Court reverses itself at a later date.
There is no area of life untouched by the Court. That's why this nomination is so significant. We want someone with exemplary character, and with Solomon-like wisdom to sit on the Court. Only 9 Justices. 9 people make these rulings. So if this nominee did sexually assault an acquaintance in high school, it matters. And if he's lying about it now, it matters even more. This explains why the drama has gripped the nation. In one week we will have an FBI report. This may or may not exonerate the nominee. If it does, he gets put on the Court. If it doesn't, another nominee will be named.
Sorry for the long answer--didn't know how to make it shorter and explain how important the Court is in the US--not just to law, but to everyday life.
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... oh, that answer surprised me. I wouldn't have thought of this.
Is there a basic question which is concerning the court right now? You named quite some big changes in your nations history. You think that the segregation is coming to be installed again?
... I have no idea how the split of the people can be prevented other than to not participate in spreading anxiety. A very difficult topic and also one, the individual is asked to find his inner strength and orientation.
I do try not to spread anxiety--good advice. And since my formal training is in history, I try to keep the long view. Sometimes it's hard though :)