Republican lawmakers revive efforts to split the 9th Circuit

[question everything]

Sunday, June 19, 2005

Republican lawmakers revive efforts to split the 9th Circuit

House has a bill and Senate is expecting one aimed at reducing court's caseload.

By JONATHAN D. GLATER
The New York Times

LOS ANGELES – Congressional Republicans are again hoping to split the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which covers nine Western states, including California, saying a breakup is the best way to reduce the caseload of the circuit's federal judges.

Next week, Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., plans to introduce a bill to split the circuit into three parts. Rep. Mike Simpson, R-Idaho, has already introduced legislation this year that would create one, if not two, new appellate courts for the area. And because the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee has linked the addition of any judgeships across the country to dividing the circuit, lawmakers could have reason to view the prospect with an open mind.

(snip)

Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., who has fiercely opposed efforts to split the circuit, said the real issue is the number of judges handling cases. "If there is a way to reduce the caseload of the 9th Circuit's judges in a fair and honest manner," she said in a statement, "I am open to considerations."

The idea of splitting the 9th Circuit dates back decades. But it packs greater significance after recent criticism from some lawmakers of decisions by federal judges.

Democrats who have opposed a split might be cautious about voicing strong opposition after the recent skirmish over judicial filibusters.

(snip)

http://www.ocregister.com/ocr/2005/06/19/sections/news/focus/article_565967.php

[acmejack]

1. They simply want to dilute the ninth

It is known as the most liberal of the circuits, which is why destroying the ninth is such a priority of theirs.