Politiciasation of the Supreme Court Flashcards
Who did bush appoint that denied the idea of politicisation by the president
David Souter
Explain the appointment process of David Souter and how it contributed to politicisation by the president?
Appointed by Bush
Bush denied to press that his nomination was anything to do with views on abortion
Souter proved to be most consistently liberal judge, not aligning with bush
Explain Clinton appointing judges and how it contributed to politicisation by the president
Clinton appointed two judges who delivered opinions that were consistently liberal
Clinton choose judges politically
Explain Reagan’s and W. Bush’s judge apppointments and how they contributed to politicisation by the president
Reagan and W.Bush- most conservative members of court appointed by them
Changed courts thinking for 15-20 years
Reagan and W.Bush choose politically
What two judge appointments prove politicisation by the senate?
Clarence Thomas
Samuel alito
Explain Clarence Thomas’ appointment process and how it contributed to politicisation by the senate
Nominated by Bush, senate could have justifiably questioned lack of qualifications
Instead concentrated on SA allegations and conservative philosophy
Thomas vote almost exactly along party lines
11 democrats only voted in favour and 2 republicans against
Explain the appointment process of Samuel Alito and how it contributed to politicisation by the senate
3 month period where Alito nomination debate
Senators from president party use time to ask soft questions, not probe questions to find out if well qualified
Therefore, provided president has party control over senate, can get anyone confirmed by senate
How did Clarence Thomas’ appointment process contribute to politicisation by the media
Rather than media have debate about judicial philosophy
Media chose to compete for who could conjure most lurid allegation
Following Thomas hearing
