General Discussion

brooklynite

(94,657 posts) Thu Mar 17, 2016, 06:53 PM Mar 2016

Why Obama Nominated Merrick Garland for the Supreme Court

He Could Shift the Court to Be More Liberal
If Judge Garland is confirmed, he could tip the ideological balance to create the most liberal Supreme Court in 50 years. Measures of ideology by four political scientists show where the justices stand in relation to one another. Judge Garland’s score is based on the score of his appointing president, Bill Clinton. This methodology is considered to be a “reasonably good predictor of voting on the Supreme Court,” says Prof. Lee Epstein of Washington University.

He Could Bring Some New Perspective
Judge Garland, who is from Illinois, could bring an additional Midwestern perspective to a court that comes mostly from New York and California. On the other hand, his law degree is from Harvard and he comes from the District of Columbia Circuit, like many of the current justices.

He Is Undeniably Qualified
Judge Garland has spent 19 years on an appeals court, previously worked as a law clerk and has experience on the executive branch. According to Prof. Epstein, “these credentials aren't required, nor would most former justices have met them, but they reflect the new normal.”

He Is Prepared to Face a Difficult Confirmation
That is, if the Republicans concede to a vote. Judge Garland received substantial support from Republicans when he was confirmed to the appeals court and his qualifications could make it more difficult for them to justify blocking him.