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What a difference a day makes.
Followers of the U.S. Supreme Court pay close attention to tradition and seniority, including the length of time the justices serve. So here's something worth noting: When John Paul Stevens wrote to President Obama in April, disclosing his plans to leave the court, he said his retirement would become effective "the next day after the Court rises for the summer recess this year."
We now know that the court's last day for handing down opinions will be this Monday, June 28. Once that's done, it will rise for the summer recess. So the retirement of Justice Stevens will become effective the next day -- Tuesday, June 29. That means he will leave in a tie for second-longest service in Supreme Court history -- 34 years, six months, and 11 days, the same as Stephen Field, who left the court in 1897.
If he had stayed just one more day, he would achieve the distinction of having the second-longest serving record all to himself (William O. Douglas, who served for 36 years, is in first place). It's doubtful Stevens realized that when he wrote his letter to President Obama in April. But he has apparently not changed his plans.
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This leaves me so emotional... not.
Have a good weekend.
FR: Hope you enjoyed watching us play in the mud. You are great. Now keep working on getting that pale blue off and replace it with crisp, black letters. Off for the weekend. You have my permission to take off and enjoy your families. Thanks again
LAW and Orderm, anyone ?
When you (legitimately) COMPLAIN about criminals going free.. Remember who sets the standard
Letting the RICH AND POWERFUL GO FREE !!
'...Justices rule law too broad in Enron case
All 9 agreed "theft of honest services" requires a kickback. Los Angeles Times
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court made it much harder Thursday to prosecute corruption cases against public officials and corporate executives, ruling that a law used to help convict Enron chief Jeffrey Skilling was far too broad.
The decision narrowed, but did not overturn, a 1988 law that makes it a crime to scheme to deprive the public of their "right of honest services." All nine justices agreed that public officials and corporate executives cannot be convicted of defrauding the public unless they enriched themselves by taking a bribe or a kickback; secret deals or conflicts of interest are not a crime unless they involve a direct payoff.
Although the law targeted public corruption, it has been used recently against corporate executives as well.
Thursday's ruling partly overturned the convictions of Skilling and former Chicago newspaper magnate Conrad Black. Both had been found guilty on multiple counts, including "honest services" fraud, so their cases were sent back to lower courts to decide whether they should have new trials.
Legal experts said Thursday's action would make it much harder to prosecute secret, cozy deals that benefit public officials or top executives.
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/front_page/20100625_Justices_rule_law_too_broad_in_Enron_case.html#ixzz0rtUf0BlP ...'
Gee THANKS, that poor Mr. Skolling didn't do anything
(and now for something completely different) GREAT NEWS !!!
Wash Monthly:
* How worried is Texas Gov. Rick Perry's (R) team about former Houston Mayor Bill White (D)? Nervous enough that Perry's former chief of staff paid quite a bit of money to try to get the Green Party of Texas on the ballot.
* In related news, former President Bill Clinton is giving White a hand, and endorsed the Democratic gubernatorial nominee yesterday. Clinton framed the campaign as a choice "between a proven, mainstream public servant, Bill White, and one of the most strident, divisive political figures in the nation."
* It's Rasmussen, so take the results with a grain of salt, but Democrats were thrilled yesterday when Rasmussen showed Sen. Richard Burr (R) with only a one-point lead -- 44% to 43% -- over Elaine Marshall (D) in North Carolina's Senate race.
* When voters consider various candidates this year, most will view an endorsement from former half-term Gov. Sarah Palin (R) as a clear negative. A plurality of Americans are "very uncomfortable" with candidates "endorsed by Sarah Palin."
* In the wake of revelations about his work in a sleazy infomercial, former Rep. J.D. Hayworth (R-Ariz.) apologized yesterday, calling it "a mistake." Hayworth is being hammered by John McCain's campaign, as the two face off in a Republican primary....'
The little Tea Potty 'Landslide' that DIDN'T
I appreciate Justice Stevens incredible service, and am very thankful his replaceement comes during Pres Obama's term. I hope, if anyone else decides to retire (maybe Ginsberg?) that it will also be during this adminisration.
Justice Stevens is a Super American and he's not interested in making points or setting records, his service speaks for itself. Unfortunately some are only interested in what' s in it for me and making records. Justice Stevens is very aware of this situation and chose not to participate. Good for Him. Justice Stevens thank you for Superior Service!
This is why you cant have attorneys in these positions .. you need common folks with common sense ! Someone who can say yes in less then 1200 pages ! Or say no in less then 50 words...No-one understands the law because it's written by these bozo's!I should not have to hire someone to tell me what something means !!
First Read ~ It's highly doubtful that Justice Stevens would care about whether his tenure was one day longer than of Justice Douglas. Or, if he did care, it's likely he would have done the same thing out of deference and respect for Justice Douglas.
Real ~ Give me a break, okay? If no one hired me to tell them what it all means, I'd be sad. Not to mention broke.
Whooptie doo! Stop the presses this is big, really big news. (NOT).