SOC Retires
Today’s retirement announcement by Associate Justice Sandra Day O’Connor brings into play the vast preparations by the White House and competing ideological interest groups over the future of the Supreme Court.
More so than most of Washington anticipated over the previous six months – when attention was focused on the potential retirement of the conservative Chief Justice – the potential for a fundamental shift in the Court’s direction has suddenly presented itself. On an array of basic social issues – e.g, affirmative action, religion, and the death penalty – Justice O’Connor has obviously represented a vital swing vote on a closely divided Court.
The White House was not caught entirely off guard. Apparently beginning last week, the Administration began more earnest preparations for the potential nomination of a successor to Justice O’Connor. Robert Novak reported that Judge Edith Clement had been interviewed. Other female candidates that will receive serious consideration are certainly Janice Rogers Brown, Priscilla Owen, and Edith Jones.
The President certainly is not obligated to name a woman to succeed Justice O’Connor. He faces a number of competing pressures in that regard. Diversity in the Court may take a back seat, particularly given the prospect of a second nomination to replace the Chief Justice.
Is Justice O’Connor About to Retire?
See here and here….
Comment by Election Law — July 1, 2005 @ 10:28 am
Is Justice O’Connor About to Retire?
See here and here. UPDATE: This is now confirmed on the NYT’s web page. See my post on June 22 with this rumor and the Justice’s possible replacement….
Comment by Election Law — July 1, 2005 @ 10:31 am
CNN Says Sandra Day O’Connor retiring
See the SCOTUSblog, as they might have embargoed information.
Comment by Appellate Law — July 1, 2005 @ 10:35 am
http://strangethingsafoot.com/?p=280
The blogosphere will be awash in the news of Sandra Day O’Connor’s retirement. The commentary, particularly from the law professors, will be most interesting. Even if you don’t know much about law or think you don’t care, I u…
Comment by StrangeThingsAfoot.com — July 1, 2005 @ 11:04 am
Justice O’Connor resigns: blogospheric reaction
As I mentioned in my morning rundown, Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor has resigned: WASHINGTON — Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, the first woman appointed to the Supreme Court and a key swing vote on issues such as abortion and…
Comment by The Glittering Eye — July 1, 2005 @ 11:18 am
O’Connor Steps Down
According to CNN, Justice Sandra Day O’Connor will step down from the Supreme Court today:
O’Connor, 75, said she will leave before the start of the court’s next term in October, or when the Senate confirms her successor. There was no immediate word from
Comment by Pennywit.Com — July 1, 2005 @ 11:18 am
Sandra D is Gone
I know that future generations will now be spared even more confusing test and “reasonable basis” type of explanations which are great for finals questions but hell on students, which is always a good thing.
Comment by On the Wright — July 1, 2005 @ 11:30 am