US Supreme Court to test Obama’s talents
US: President-elect Barack Obama may have the rare chance to
appoint two judges to the Supreme Court, giving the former law professor
an opportunity to make a further lasting mark on American society.
Already observers are weighing in on what Obama could do in the key
decision on replacements for the highest court in the land.
“It is quite likely he would choose a woman or a minority,” said
Nathaniel Persily, a law professor at Columbia University in New York.
“If he could find a Hispanic woman, that would be ideal, the best
choice,” he added.
Only two women have served on the Supreme Court, and two
African-Americans have succeeded one another in the same seat, but never
has an judge with a Latino background been appointed.
Hispanics are an ever-growing demographic in the United States,
making up 15 percent of the population.
But beyond the race or sex of the candidate, observers are gearing up
for appointments of politically progressive judges to the bench to
replace the older liberals sitting on it today.
John Paul Stevens, appointed by president Gerald Ford, is 88 years
old, and is expected to resign soon.
The nine justices are appointed for life.
Widely considered to be on the liberal side of the court, Stevens’
replacement with another liberal would maintain the bench’s fragile
balance.
Currently four conservatives, four liberals, with the moderate
Anthony Kennedy holding the middle ground, compose a balance Obama is
expected to sustain.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg, 75, appointed by president Bill Clinton, is
another liberal lifer also expected to resign within Obama’s first term
in office.
During Obama’s campaign the Democrat hinted at what he expected of
his appointees, and certainly could surprise conservative commentators
expecting him to name someone more radical to the post.
“His pick might be radical, not in the ideology but in the
background,” noted Persily.
Obama could pick someone who has not made a career in the judicial
system, for example a politician or law professor, he added.
Washington, Thursday, AFP |
