How Do SCOTUS Justices Sleep At Night?
At a minimum, all the present justices of the Supreme Court have two college degrees: an undergraduate degree from a four year college and a law school degree. Presumably, they have studied American History and constitutional law prior to their appointment to the Supreme Court. And if they have forgotten their oath of office or the fundamentals of democracy they are daily reminded of the rule of law every time litigants are before them arguing their cases.
Even if their opinions are written by law clerks and they do not have to familiarize themselves with the myriad court cases referred to in the arguments and submitted briefs one can reasonably assume they read them before signing. And therefore some of the historical precedent should guide them in their decision making process.
The dispensing with dignity and diligence by the majority of the justices is astounding. It is not the alleged personal enrichment that makes this a compromised court so much as the continuous democracy defying and Trump enabling that is occurring with disheartening regularity.
Trying to determine why these justices are willing to be subjected to such justified criticism, and diminishing respect, it can be conjectured that it is a fear for their safety or fear of impeachment if the Democrats ultimately regain power.
Being a member of the Supreme Court is the highest honor a lawyer can achieve and probably a secret desire of thousands of lawyers and not necessarily for the salary, pension or book and lecture fees after retirement.
Governor Mario Cuomo, in a speech, post retirement from his term as governor of New York, remarked that his mother asked him at his inauguration ceremony if his becoming governor could lead to his nomination to the Supreme Court. That was a time that such an accomplishment was truly supreme and universally respected.
Betty Ussach, Dartmouth
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