Friday, September 12, 2008

Probable Supremer Court Oitlook

Where is the conservative B log 4C
Supreme Court taking us?

What is the probable Court outlook ?

Court history shows that the periods of conservatism far outnumber progressive periods. The makeup of the present court will result in many years of conservative outlook. At the present there are no conservative Judges ready to retire. The next Judge to retire will probably be liberal Justice Stevens now 87 but still in good health. If a democrat is President the court could maintain its present make up. If a Republican is President the court would probably move further to the right.

What does this mean for us the public?

It means the end of an era where many thought that the Court would be a protector of our rights and civil liberties. These people thought the Court would be a force for “equality” as promised by the constitution. Equality in respect to color, gender, race, religion, minorities, etc. Secondly the Court would be a force for expanding the constitutional rights of individuals. including criminal suspects, against the power of the state.

The question maybe what rights maybe lost. This also may be an unduly pessimistic outlook. In this age turnabouts sometime come quickly and surprisingly fast.

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