[Cboldt]

-- shouldn't focus of the briefs that Elliot's lawyers filed been more finely tuned to making their argument that Cruz is a naturalized citizen, thereby leaving the court with the only conclusion that Cruz is not a Constitutional art. 1 `natural born' citizen? --

I agree with that. However, from news reports, it appears that Pellegrini does not see "naturalized" and "natural born" as mutually exclusive. Unless you know he is of that mind to begin with, you wouldn't find the case law or other resource that sets out the principle that "naturalized" and "natural born" are mutually exclusive.

[patlin]

Unless you know he is of that mind to begin with...

That is interesting as one of the first topics Scalia addresses is getting to know the mindset of a judge. Researching his past, his likes, his associates and any available literature that the judge has written that may pertain to your case. I will have to do some research on Pellegrini's bio.