http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/judiciary/ en-us Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:28:15 GMT Focus Forum 15 http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2278426/posts It seems that every time we have a contentious judicial nomination process, especially for the Supreme Court, a great fuss is made over not asking certain questions. More to the point, we're told that nominees should not answer questions that could disclose how they may rule on certain issues in the future. Hogwash. The problem with this notion is that the federal judiciary has grown ever more powerful over the years versus our other branches of government. Further, the Supreme Court is held to be the final arbiter of what the Constitution actually "means" at any given point in time... Conservative Outpost http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2278426/posts#comment Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:28:15 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2275464/posts WASHINGTON – The House on Friday impeached a federal judge imprisoned for lying about sexual assaults of two women, in the first such vote since impeaching former President Bill Clinton a decade ago. The impeachment of U.S. District Judge Samuel Kent of Texas sets up a trial in the Senate. Kent is the first federal judge impeached in 20 years. The House approved four articles of impeachment against Kent accusing him of sexually assaulting two female employees and lying to judicial investigators and Justice Department officials. All four articles passed unanimously. http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2275464/posts#comment Fri, 19 Jun 2009 20:47:26 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2266158/posts WASHINGTON -- U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions, in the Republican Party's weekly message, said today that confirmation hearings of Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor will be respectful, but he also warned that any evidence her personal history would shape her decision-making will be challenged forcefully. "Although we sometimes take our heritage of neutral and independent judiciary for granted, the truth is, this great tradition is under attack. And the American people are rightly concerned," Sessions said in the GOP address distributed nationally as a counterpoint to President Barack Obama's weekly address. ... In his remarks, Sessions maintained his cordial approach to... The Birmingham News http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2266158/posts#comment Sat, 6 Jun 2009 14:04:40 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2264789/posts This is Mr. Speaker’s second time on the schmuck list. (First time was last year when he jumped on the man-made global warming climate change bandwagon.) Congrats, Newt. Sorry, but Newt Gingrich is a wuss. After calling Sonia Sotomayor a racist for her 2001 comment that a Latina woman would make better conclusions than a white man, he since has retracted it, admitting he was too harsh. Rather than sticking to his guns, he took the political way out. And naturally, the Obamedia is enjoying reporting on this supposed arrival at decency. (Because we know Democrats have never smeared or... Vocal Minority http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2264789/posts#comment Thu, 4 Jun 2009 18:15:16 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2264240/posts First lady Michelle Obama used some high-profile examples - including Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor - to reassure high school graduates any doubts they have about how they will do in college and beyond are not unusual. She mentioned her own anxieties when first starting at Princeton University, as well as the concerns of Sotomayor, the first Hispanic considered for the nation's highest court. Sotomayor attended Princeton before Mrs. Obama and has said the surroundings intimidated her. "I don't know if you know about this phenomenal woman, but the president - she's the president's nominee for the Supreme Court -... The Dallas Examiner / The Associated Press http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2264240/posts#comment Thu, 4 Jun 2009 00:50:36 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2263579/posts Judges should never show special "empathy" for the downtrodden and unfortunate. To do so not only undermines the integrity of the legal system, but goes against Biblical morality. How do we know? Because the Hebrew Scriptures are explicit and unequivocal on this issue, as I explained in a column a month ago. The controversy over the Sotomayor nomination gives that column fresh (and, if I do say so, prophetic) relevance. In fact, I suspect that in her confirmation hearings Judge Sotomayor will display the good sense to back away from some of the most controversial recent statements that she has... Townhall http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2263579/posts#comment Wed, 3 Jun 2009 09:16:40 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2261708/posts Judge Sonia Sotomayor, Barack Obama's pick to replace David Souter on the United States Supreme Court, will be confirmed. Nothing anyone can do or say can prevent that. Republicans are falling all over themselves trying to determine whether it is in their best interest to make a show out of fighting her nomination. The infighting among conservatives escalated to a head this past week with Rush Limbaugh and Newt Gingrich calling her a racist, and former congressman Tom Tancredo comparing the organization La Raza, of which Sotomayor is a card carrying member, to the Ku Klux Klan without the white... America Talks http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2261708/posts#comment Sun, 31 May 2009 19:07:28 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2261226/posts How President Obama's choice for the Supreme Court, Sonia Sotomayor, will place identity politics and liberal ideology above the Constitution. youtube http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2261226/posts#comment Sat, 30 May 2009 15:32:45 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2261046/posts Unless you've taken a very long Memorial Day vacation, you've no doubt heard the big news. President Obama has picked an anti-gun radical to replace Justice David Souter on the Supreme Court. Obama's pick is Judge Sonia Sotomayor, who is currently on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second District. There she has racked up an anti-Second Amendment record and has displayed contempt for the rule of law under the Constitution. The Heller decision put the Supreme Court in support of the Constitutional protection of the individual right to keep and bear arms. Sotomayor, a politically correct lover of... Gun Owners of America http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2261046/posts#comment Sat, 30 May 2009 04:20:40 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2261038/posts WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama on Friday personally sought to deflect criticism of Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor, who finds herself under intensifying scrutiny for saying in 2001 that a female Hispanic judge would often reach a better decision than a white male judge. "I'm sure she would have restated it," Obama flatly told NBC News, without indicating how he knew that. The quote in question from Sotomayor has emerged as a rallying call for conservative critics who fear she will offer opinions from the bench based less on the rule of law and more on her life experience, ethnicity... Yahoo / AP http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2261038/posts#comment Sat, 30 May 2009 04:00:59 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2260728/posts During a segment on Friday’s “American Morning,” CNN correspondent Carol Costello used two liberal talking heads to cast doubt on the “judicial activist” label used by conservatives. Costello used three sound bites from Jonathan Turley of George Washington University Law School, who branded the use of the term as “perfectly juvenile,” and one from NPR’s Nina Totenberg to cast aspersions on conservatives who are concerned about judges legislating from the bench. Costello’s report, which began 20 minutes into the 6 am Eastern hour of the CNN program, began by labeling the “judicial activist” term itself an “act” by politicians: “We... NewsBusters.org http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2260728/posts#comment Fri, 29 May 2009 18:39:43 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2260424/posts You probably wouldn’t know it from the sycophantic Obamedia, but guess what? Not all minorities are jived about President Obama’s nomination of Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court. They’re actually not star stuck by the “historic” nomination of this Hispanic woman. (just as, not surprisingly, they weren’t so taken by the “historic” candidacy of Barack Obama). Some actually see Sonia Sotomayor for exactly who she is: A leftist activist judge who was appointed by a leftist president hell-bent on using her to achieve in the Supreme Court whatever he can’t from his throne in the Oval Office. Alicia Colon of... Vocal Minority, et al. http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2260424/posts#comment Fri, 29 May 2009 12:05:28 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2260269/posts  We've set up a "Supreme Court Action Center" where you can find pretty much everything you'll need to work your Senators over when it comes to the nomination of Sandra Sotomayer.We've got facts, video links, commentary, press releases and more.You can also link to our "No Liberal Judges" campaign and fax your senators, (even all Republicans or all Democrats), and let them know how you feel.If you come across other information that you think would be useful to others, please visit the page and leave a comment w/information or links. We'll then make it available on the site. Supreme Court Action Center http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2260269/posts#comment Fri, 29 May 2009 02:52:33 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/2260009/posts When President Bush named his two male Supreme Court nominees, he invariably called them "Judge Roberts" and "Judge Alito." Sotomayor is every bit as much a judge, but Obama calls her "Sonia." As in: "Well, Sonia, what you've shown in your life is that it doesn't matter where you come from, what you look like or what challenges life throws your way -- no dream is beyond reach in the United States of America." That hackneyed line would feel right in place at a high school graduation. Rasmussen Reports http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/2260009/posts#comment Thu, 28 May 2009 18:48:56 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2259838/posts How will the GOP react to President Obama's pick to replace Justice David Souter on the U.S. Supreme Court? Who cares? It doesn't matter what Senate Republicans think of Sonia Sotomayor. The GOP does not have the votes to stop her. Only Democrats - or Sotomayor herself - can torpedo the admission of Sotomayor to the Big Bench. The fascination with the GOP's response to Sotomayor illustrates that Democrats are desperate to make Republican criticism, not Sotomayor, the issue. It's true: Republicans can raise questions about Obama's nominee, but only Democratic answers will determine her fate. So far, they seem... San Francisco Chronicle http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2259838/posts#comment Thu, 28 May 2009 14:52:11 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2258473/posts Judge Sonia Sotomayor is a self-described “Newyorkrican,” the daughter of parents who moved from Puerto Rico to the Bronx. In speeches to Latino groups, she has echoed some of the same themes as President Obama about growing up as a minority, and feeling she never completely fit in anywhere. “I am always looking over my shoulder, wondering if I measure up,” she’s said. Sotomayor, 54, was nominated by Obama Tuesday to replace retiring Justice David Souter. If confirmed, she would be the first Hispanic justice — and third woman — to serve on the nation’s highest court. As a judge,... WBUR-AM http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2258473/posts#comment Tue, 26 May 2009 17:57:28 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2258422/posts <p>Evidently, the characteristics that matter most for a potential nominee to the Supreme Court have little to do with judicial ability or temperament, or even so ephemeral a consideration as a knowledge of the law. Instead, the tag line for this appointment says it all. The president wants to choose "a daughter of Puerto Rican parents raised in Bronx public housing projects to become the nation's first Hispanic justice."</p> Forbes http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2258422/posts#comment Tue, 26 May 2009 16:57:21 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2256272/posts The vice president can't complain if Republicans object to Obama's Supreme Court nominee. Vice President Joe Biden is widely praised for the expertise he brings in helping Barack Obama choose a replacement for retiring Supreme Court Justice David Souter. Having served for three decades on the Senate Judiciary Committee, he is considered an asset both for his relationships with committee members and his familiarity with the nuts and bolts of judicial nominations. So let's have a look at how the confirmation process actually fared under Mr. Biden's leadership. As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Mr. Biden was present... The Wall Street Journal http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2256272/posts#comment Fri, 22 May 2009 14:30:39 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2245443/posts Now that Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala. has been named the ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, some on the far-left are gunning for Alabama's junior senator. The battle is happening as President Barack Obama is on the verge of naming an appointee to the Supreme Court to fill void of Justice David Souter.Some of the left-wing points that suggest Sessions has racist tendencies were incorporated into a May 6 Politico story by John Bresnahan and Manu Raju. "By elevating Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions to their top spot on the Senate Judiciary Committee, Republicans have selected their chief inquisitor for... NewsBusters http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2245443/posts#comment Wed, 6 May 2009 17:12:43 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2244448/posts With the hearings for President Barack Obama’s first Supreme Court nominee looming, Senate Republican leaders have tapped tried-and-true conservative Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., as the new ranking member on the Judiciary Committee — but only for two years. In a deal aimed at preserving the Senate’s long-used seniority system, Sessions will step aside in 2011 for Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, who some conservatives say may not be tough enough on the liberal views of some judicial nominees. Republicans have been debating who should replace Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania, who was the panel’s ranking member but switched to the Democratic Party... Examiner http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2244448/posts#comment Tue, 5 May 2009 13:23:20 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2244230/posts founders of America designed our system of government so that policy would be created by the representatives of the people/states in Congress, with the President’s approval (subject to Congressional override) needed before any given policy is made into law. The courts were intended to simply apply law created by Congress and approved by the President to a given situation. But the courts have long since began to make policy on their own. The states were prohibited from making abortion illegal, for instance, not through a vote of Congress but rather through the arbitrary fiat of unelected judges. That’s now how... KMXD.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2244230/posts#comment Tue, 5 May 2009 01:51:44 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2244067/posts Judge Sonia Sotomayor of the Second Circuit Court of Appeals is one of the likely candidates to replace Justice Souter. Chuck Schumer has been pushing her name and she meets Obama's stated interest in increasing diversity on the bench (she's Hispanic). "All of the legal defense funds out there-- they're looking for people with court of appeals experience. Because court of appeals is where policy is made. And I know, I know this is on tape and I should never say that because we don't make law. [Laughs] I know. I know. [Laughter] I'm not promoting it, I'm not advocating... Ace of Spades http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2244067/posts#comment Mon, 4 May 2009 21:36:29 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2243800/posts Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) will take over the ranking member position on the Senate Judiciary Committee after striking a deal with his more senior colleagues over the weekend, sources confirm to The Hill. Sessions and Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) reached the deal that will allow the Alabama Republican to take over for Sen. Arlen Specter (D-Pa.), whose departure from the GOP last week left the committee without a ranking member. Under terms of the deal, Sessions will serve as ranking member until the 112th Congress, when he will take over the ranking member post on the Senate Budget Committee. Current... The Hill http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2243800/posts#comment Mon, 4 May 2009 14:58:27 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2243516/posts A Louisiana judge previously suspended for violating judicial conduct rules in a separate incident has been arrested and charged with corruption for taking bribes to alter defendants’ bonds. It marks the third case in the last decade that a Louisiana state judge is criminally charged for bond manipulation. Jefferson Parish judges Ronald Bodenheimer and Alan Green both went to jail for taking bribes from a bail bonds executive to alter bonds for the firm’s customers. Those judges got busted during an extensive federal investigation—Operation Wrinkled Robe—into Jefferson Parish Courthouse corruption. Bodenheimer spent nearly four years in prison and Green is... Judicial Watch http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2243516/posts#comment Mon, 4 May 2009 03:01:23 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2242682/posts there is no reason to expect that a Supreme Court justice appointed by President Obama will be significantly worse than Justice David Souter has been. But there is still less reason to hope that he or she will be any better than Souter. It has been a long time since the Democratic Party seemed capable of generating Supreme Court appointees who had any reliable notions of judicial restraint, let alone an attachment to originalism. This is the party that once gave us justices like Felix Frankfurter, Robert Jackson, Fred Vinson, and Byron White—all of whom would find themselves on the... National Review http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2242682/posts#comment Sat, 2 May 2009 13:37:50 GMT