Your Thoughts and Feedback Are Appreciated!

Well another quarter has come and gone!  I have enjoyed getting to know all of you and hearing your opinions in class!  I wish all of you blessings and success in the future, and hope that you stay in touch.

So for our last blog post, I would like to get your thoughts and feedback on the class.  "What did you like or dislike about the class?  What could I do to make it better?"  Answers are due no later than Wednesday, June , 15th 2016.  After that, the blog will be down until class resumes next quarter.

Now Hiring - Part 2

You may have heard recently about the controversy surrounding President Obama’s nominee to the Supreme Court, Merrick Garland. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia died in February, and ever since then there has been a vacancy on the court. Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution states, “[The President] shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint…Judges of the Supreme Court.”  The President has always nominated an individual for the Court, and the Senate rejects or confirms them after going through a lengthy confirmation hearing in which they interview the candidate about their background, choices, and legal opinions.  This process is designed to provide the “checks and balances” we have discussed in class.  Both the President and the Senate have important roles in choosing our next Supreme Court Justice.

By all accounts, President Obama’s nominee is qualified to serve.  Garland currently serves as the Chief Judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals. According to the White House, Garland has a “distinguished career and impeccable credentials.” So what’s causing all the controversy?  There are 9 Supreme Court Justices – currently 4 of them are considered to be more liberal on issues, and the other 5 (before Scalia’s passing) are more moderate and conservative. Justice Scalia was by all accounts a more conservative justice – perhaps one of the most conservative on the bench.  With his passing, President Obama has the potential to nominate a more liberal justice, which will effectively shift the political leanings of the Court – giving the liberal justices a majority for the first time in years.

Republican Senators have said they will deny holding confirmation hearings for Garland.  Senate Majority Leader, Mitch McConnell said he “agrees that this decision ought to be made by the net President, whoever is elected.” For his part, President Obama has said the Constitution is clear, it’s his responsibility to nominate someone, and he has done so.  

So my question to you this week is twofold, First, “Do you think the Senate should hold confirmation hearings for Merrick Garland, or should we wait until after the election for the incoming President to do so?”  Second, “If you sat on the Supreme Court, what is one issue that you would like to issue a ruling on – and what would be your opinion?”  You must answer both questions for full credit.  Answers are due no later than Wednesday, June 8th, 2016.