talk back, push back

[WilliamTaft]

Source: VOA Learning English - American History - The Rise of the US Supreme Court
"And so from the beginning, the US had a Supreme Court that could talk back, push back, and actually define the boundaries of the law. And that was something that the world had never seen."

What does the bolded expression mean?

 

[probus]

To talk back is to contradict but only in words. Push back is a stronger term implying more active resistance than mere words. A court can push back because it has real powers: it can make orders that certain things be done or issue injunctions prohibiting certain actions. Courts can also punish anyone who defies them with fines or imprisonment.