Supreme Court Nominations

Kagan Critics Focus On Her Gay-Rights Stance in Military Recruiting Suit

Solicitor General Elena Kagan, said to be one of three people under consideration to replace Justice John Paul Stevens, doesn’t have the same written track record as the two appeals judges on the rumored short list, Merrick Garland and Diane Wood. But conservatives have found an issue—Kagan’s gay-rights stance in…

Apr 12, 2010 1:49 PM CDT

As Justice John Paul Stevens Steps Down, Interest in His Potential Replacement Intensifies

The Los Angeles Times today, in a brief timeline, sums up the 90-year lifetime achievements of one of the nation’s renowned U.S. Supreme Court justices. It focuses on major milestones including his birth, law school graduation, career moves, marriages and children. (Another Los Angeles Times article lists some of his…

Apr 9, 2010 11:42 PM CDT

Fellow Justices Say Goodbye to Stevens, Citing His Intellect and Personal Strengths

Following accolades earlier today by U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. after Associate Justice John Paul Stevens announced his impending retirement, his other seven colleagues also weighed in with statements of praise for his extraordinary achievements during his 34 years on the bench of the nation’s top…

Apr 9, 2010 10:36 PM CDT

Stevens Resignation Reaction: From Pelosi to Schlafly

Within minutes of news that Justice John Paul Stevens would be stepping down from the Supreme Court, politicians and advocacy groups across the political spectrum issued statements about the retirement and, more importantly, who President Obama should nominate next. Here’s a sampling of the friendly advice broadcast via press release:…

Apr 9, 2010 8:21 PM CDT

The Pressure Is On for Confirmation by Oct. 4; Will GOP Press for Delay?

Will the Senate be able to confirm a nominee to replace Justice John Paul Stevens by the start of the Supreme Court term on Oct. 4? Stevens announced today that he is stepping down at the end of the court’s term, rather than waiting until a successor is confirmed, SCOTUSblog…

Apr 9, 2010 7:15 PM CDT

Lat, Volokh & Thai on Front-Runners & Dark Horses to Replace Stevens (Podcast)

Long before Justice John Paul Stevens made it official, U.S. Supreme Court watchers were speculating about who would be named to fill his shoes.

Apr 9, 2010 6:52 PM CDT

Legal Heavyweights List Less Obvious Picks to Replace Stevens

There is lots of speculation surrounding three possible nominees to replace Justice John Paul Stevens: Solicitor General Elena Kagan and federal appeals judges Diane Wood and Merrick Garland. But what about the less-obvious possibilities? Slate contacted a number of legal heavyweights to learn about their less-obvious choices to devise its…

Apr 9, 2010 4:14 PM CDT

Stevens Cites Hopes Successor Will Be Confirmed ‘Well in Advance’ of Next Term

Justice John Paul Stevens says in the letter announcing his retirement that it would be in the Supreme Court’s best interest to have a success confirmed “well in advance” of the next term that begins in October. The BLT: The Blog of Legal Times published the full letter announcing Stevens’…

Apr 9, 2010 3:49 PM CDT

Leahy Calls for ‘Fair and Thorough Consideration’ of Next High Court Nominee

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy has issued a statement asking senators to “give fair and thorough consideration” to the candidate nominated to replace Justice John Paul Stevens. Stevens announced today that he will retire at the end of the Supreme Court’s term. Leahy, a Democrat from Vermont, called Stevens…

Apr 9, 2010 3:16 PM CDT

Man of Moderation: Last Justice of ‘Greatest Generation,’ Says Farewell

John Paul Stevens got one of his earliest lectures on politics, business and corruption long before he went to law school. Born to Chicago gentry in 1920, Stevens grew up in the city’s Hyde Park neighborhood, known for its diversity, intellectual achievement and wealth. His family made its money in…

Apr 9, 2010 2:57 PM CDT

Who Will Replace Stevens? Three Likely Picks Emerge, as Others Engage in ‘Bizarro’ Speculation

The prognosticators have been hard at work predicting likely replacements for Justice John Paul Stevens, who announced today that he is retiring at the end of the Supreme Court term. SCOTUSblog opines that President Obama will choose Solicitor General Elena Kagan. The reason, the blog said in a February post,…

Apr 9, 2010 2:53 PM CDT

Practical Meaning: As the Court Shifted Right, Stevens Kept His Place

The more things changed, the more John Paul Stevens stayed the same. Appointed by the moderate Republican President Gerald Ford—another Midwesterner and World War II vet—Stevens resolutely insisted that his middle-of-the-road, practical legal values were as visible at his retirement as they were at his 1975 appointment. “You see some…

Apr 9, 2010 2:53 PM CDT

Justice Stevens Announces His Retirement

• Man of Moderation: Last justice of the ‘Greatest Generation,’ the gentlemanly John Paul Stevens says farewell
• Practical Meaning: As the Court Shifted Right, Stevens Kept His Place
• Gallery of Stevens’ Top Cases
• Podcast: David Lat, Eugene Volokh & Joseph Thai on Front-runners & Dark Horses to Replace Stevens
• Who Will Replace Stevens? Three Likely Picks Emerge, as Others Engage in ‘Bizarro’ Speculation

Apr 9, 2010 2:49 PM CDT

Let’s Leave Politics Out of It

Merit-based judicial selection, confirmation processes help to ensure impartiality

Mar 1, 2010 11:00 AM CST

SCOTUSblog Predicts Solicitor General Kagan Will Be Next High Court Justice

A blog known for its breaking-news coverage of the U.S. Supreme Court is making a bold prediction: The next new justice will be Solicitor General Elena Kagan. Supreme Court litigator Tom Goldstein looks into his crystal ball in a SCOTUSblog post entitled: “On October 4, 2010, Elena Kagan Will Ask…

Feb 24, 2010 1:35 PM CST