judiciary4.795 min read
"Supreme Court's Impact on Civil Rights and HR: A Tactical Overview"
1 year ago•Source: Slate
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2.24 min•1 year ago
"Senate Confirms First Openly LGBTQ+ Judge to 4th Circuit Court of Appeals"
The U.S. Senate confirmed Nicole Berner, the general counsel for the Service Employees International Union, as the first openly LGBTQ judge on the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Her confirmation aligns with President Biden's commitment to diversify the federal judiciary, with Berner becoming the 30th woman and 11th openly LGBTQ judge appointed under his administration. Republicans opposed her nomination due to her advocacy against right-to-work laws and liberal causes, but she ultimately secured the position, furthering the push for more pro-union labor lawyers in the judiciary.
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"Trump's Ballot Battles: From State Courts to the Supreme Court"
Political Wire•1 year ago
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"Supreme Court Judge and Celebrities Gather for Ayodhya's Ram Mandir Inauguration"
Times of India•2 years ago
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"Texas Judge Irma Carrillo Ramirez Confirmed as First Latina on 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals"
The U.S. Senate has confirmed Judge Irma Carrillo Ramirez as the first Latina judge on the conservative-leaning 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Ramirez, currently a U.S. magistrate judge for the Northern District of Texas, received support from Texas Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, paving the way for her confirmation. Born to Mexican immigrants, Ramirez has extensive experience in civil cases and is seen as a model for others. The 5th Circuit Court covers Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
Historic Swearing-In Ceremony Installs New Chief and Associate Justices to Minnesota Supreme Court
Natalie Hudson has been sworn in as the new chief justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court, becoming the first person of color to hold the position. Karl Procaccini was also sworn in as an associate justice, making him the first Muslim to sit on the court. The ceremony marked two historic firsts for the state.
Supreme Court Implements Ethics Code Amid Scrutiny
The Supreme Court has adopted a new code of conduct in response to allegations of ethics lapses. The 14-page document includes five canons of conduct and aims to clarify the ethics rules and principles that guide the conduct of the Court's members. While most of the rules are not new, the lack of a published code has led to misunderstandings about the Court's adherence to ethics rules. The code requires justices to uphold the integrity and independence of the judiciary and avoid impropriety. The Court's decision comes amid pressure from lawmakers and recent reports questioning whether justices were following the rules.
"Missouri Supreme Court Welcomes Judge Ginger Gooch, Ensuring Female Majority on the Bench"
Governor Mike Parson has appointed Judge Ginger Gooch as a Missouri Supreme Court Judge, filling the vacancy left by Judge Patricia Breckenridge's retirement. This appointment establishes a female majority on the state's highest court for the first time in history. Gooch previously served on the Southern District Court of Appeals and has a background in law and rhetoric. Her swearing-in date has yet to be determined, but Missouri law requires it to be within 30 days of her appointment.
Oklahoma Judge Faces Removal for Texting During Murder Trial
A suspended judge in Oklahoma, Traci Soderstrom, may face permanent removal from the bench after an investigation revealed over 500 text messages between her and a bailiff, in which they allegedly mocked a district attorney's appearance, expressed bias against state prosecutors, and showed favoritism towards a defendant in a murder trial. The petition filed by Oklahoma Supreme Court Chief Justice John Kane argued that Soderstrom should be disqualified from holding any judicial office due to gross neglect of duty, gross partiality, and oppression in office. The judge was also captured on camera scrolling through Facebook and using phone applications during the trial. The Court on the Judiciary will decide whether to remove her from the bench.
Oklahoma Judge Faces Removal for Texting During Murder Trial
The chief justice of the Oklahoma Supreme Court is recommending the removal of District Judge Traci Soderstrom, who was caught texting and scrolling through social media during a murder trial. An investigation found that Soderstrom exchanged over 500 texts with her courtroom bailiff, mocking prosecutors, praising the defense attorney, and calling a key prosecution witness a liar. Soderstrom has been suspended with pay pending a hearing to determine whether she will be removed from the bench. The chief justice cited gross neglect of duty, gross partiality, and oppression as reasons for her removal.
Calls for Chief Justice to Recuse Alito and Thomas in Megadonor Cases
Over 40 watchdog groups have written a letter to Chief Justice John Roberts, urging him to force Supreme Court justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito to recuse themselves from cases involving conflicts of interest with billionaire donors. Recent reports have revealed ties between Thomas and Alito and donors with business before the court, including undisclosed gifts and financial benefits. The watchdog groups argue that these conflicts undermine the court's integrity and call for the justices to recuse themselves to restore public confidence. However, both Thomas and Alito have denied any wrongdoing and rejected calls for recusal.
Amy Coney Barrett Embraces Public Scrutiny of Supreme Court
US Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett stated at a judicial conference in Wisconsin that she welcomes public scrutiny of the court, but did not comment on whether the court should change its operations in response to recent criticism. Barrett acknowledged the low public trust in the court and the increased scrutiny it faces due to the availability of immediate information. She mentioned the importance of civics education and the positive and negative aspects of the court being in the news. Barrett also discussed the need for judges to develop a thick skin and the warm personal relations among the justices.
Justice Amy Coney Barrett Develops Resilience in the Face of Criticism
Justice Amy Coney Barrett stated that she has developed a thick skin to criticism and welcomes public scrutiny of the Supreme Court during a judicial conference in Wisconsin. She emphasized that public figures, including judges, must be prepared for criticism. Barrett did not address recent allegations of ethics violations by some justices or the pressure to adopt a code of conduct targeting the justices. She highlighted the court's history of facing criticism and expressed that public scrutiny is welcome. Barrett also mentioned that personal relationships on the court are warm, despite recent divisive opinions. The court is set to reconvene in late September for its new term.
Justice Amy Coney Barrett Embraces Public Scrutiny of Supreme Court
Justice Amy Coney Barrett stated at a judicial conference in Wisconsin that she welcomes public scrutiny of the Supreme Court but did not comment on whether the court should change its operations in response to recent criticism. Barrett acknowledged the low public trust in the court and the increased scrutiny it faces due to the availability of immediate information. She mentioned that while public criticism comes with the job, justices should not be recognizable figures. Barrett also highlighted the positive aspect of increased public engagement with the court's work but expressed concern about potential misimpressions. The conference took place amidst calls for an official code of conduct for the justices.