Questions on the paper?
For Monday, Edwards ch. 14. In-class sims the following week
Write-up question: Suppose Justice Alito retires next week. Drawing on Edwards, speculate on what happens next.
Today, no in-person student hour but available for Zoom after 2 pm and tomorrow between 10 and 3. Please email me first.
Recent SCOTUS nominations
The Alito story and the Federalist Society pipeline.
Nuclear option: Dems in 2013 with executive and lower-court noms. Reps in 2017 with SCOTUS. Trump nominates Gorsuch.
Why is Kavanaugh hearing more contentious? Probably helps GOP hold the Senate in 2018.
RBG dies, Trump nominates ACB. McConnell takes a different approach.
Other means of influence
- Solicitor general
- Encourage outside groups to file amicus briefs
- Legislation and constitutional amendments
- Public criticism
Pardon Power (Edwards 431-433).
- Unchecked
- Biden family pardons
- Trump II
Presidents and civil rights
