The Roberts Court

by on September 29th, 2005

As expected John Roberts has been confirmed and sworn in as the Chief Justice of the United States. For all intents and purposes, the court is unchanged. Roberts replacing Renquist maintains the status quo.

Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.

It is with another opportunity to nominate a justice to replace Sandra Day O’Conner that President Bush has the opportunity to place his brand on the court. having been elected with a promise to nominate strict constructionists, this will be a clear challenge.

There is a lot of pressure to appoint a justice in the mold of O’Conner. A moderate swing vote to maintain the current balance of the court. Doing so would be a mistake.

Voters have not given the Republican party control of both houses of congress and the presidency as well as a majority of governorships because they want things to stay the same. Voters have elected conservatives, because they want conservative government, and this includes judicial appointments.

If Bush does it right he will make his nomination based on principle not politics. The such a nominee will face a fierce fight from across the aisle is no reason to back down.

Stephen Macklin