Justice John Paul Stevens Leaving Supreme Court

[Guest Jamie]

Stevens' exit a political knot for Obama

Hope we get something better as a replacement, but not gonna hold my breath.

Still, with the timing of things, it does seem at least a little more likely that the next appointment could be a step up from Stevens, in my opinion.

J.

Edited April 10, 2010 by Jamie

[Mike.357]

the good news is Stevens is about a liberal as they get so whoever Obama annoints can't be much worse and it will not upset the balance.

[Guest Jamie]

Mike, aren't you old enough to know things can always get worse? :D

( I do agree with you here though... )

J.

Edited April 10, 2010 by Jamie

[Guest PapaB]

The good thing about losing Stevens is with the 5 to 4 decisions. Stevens was very influential in arguing for his liberal view on many close decisions. Without his influence we should see more of the 5 to 4 decisions going toward the conservative side. Obama may get a flaming liberal on the bench but he can't appoint someone that has influence.

[Guest jackdm3]

Watching a live stream of the nomination of Liu.

Confirmation seems imminent while the board is cutting up and having fun during the proceedings. "We see the forest for the trees."

For 2A, he said "I have not thought about the second amendment."

Also, to paraphrase: "the analysis of the origins/originators of the 2nd amendment are the extent of my exposure"

He went on to say that he preferred to take the 2A in the context of the framers and indicated 2A would be adjusted for the times.

From the Washington Post:

But Sessions raised questions about whether Liu was really qualified for the job, pointing out that Liu has "never been in court," either to argue a case as a trial attorney or decide one as a judge.

Sessions also made clear his belief that Liu's writings "represent, I think, the very vanguard of what I would call intellectual judicial activism."

Sessions said Liu and his ilk would look at the Constitution and "find rights there that have never been found before."