 Chief Justice of the United States William H. Rehnquist sits during a group portrait session with the members of the U.S. Supreme Court, at the Supreme Court Building in Washington, on December 5, 2003. (Photo: J. Scott Applewhite/AP Wide World) |
It has been 11 years since a position on the U.S. Supreme Court has become available. Now there are two.
In July, the first woman ever appointed to the nation's highest court announced her retirement. Justice Sandra Day O'Connnor said she would step down as soon as a replacement was found and approved by the U.S. Senate. She is retiring to take care of her sick husband.
Then, on September 3, Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist died. His death came just three days before hearings were to begin for Appeals Court Judge John Roberts, who was nominated by President Bush to replace O'Connor.
President Bush has now named Roberts to replace the Chief Justice and has begun a new search for O'Connor's appointment. The President said he wants a new Chief Justice to be approved before the court begins its fall term on October 3.
The current court, before Rehnquist's death, was the longest serving court in the nation's history. Appointing members of the Court is one of the most important responsibilities of a President.
When Supreme Court Justices are appointed, they can remain on the Court for the rest of their lives. They decide for themselves how long they stay, so they end up with the opportunity to have a large say on major political issues. With the duty of appointing two news Justices, including the Chief Justice, President Bush has a chance to shape the Court for many years to come.
Other Retirements?
Other Justices might still retire. Politicians and news sources say there are still two Justices who might retire soon: Justice John Paul Stevens and Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Justice Stevens, while in relatively good health, is the oldest member of the Court. He was born in 1920 and was already 55 years old when President Ford appointed him to the Court in 1975. He was successfully treated for cancer in 1992, and has also had to battle heart disease.
Justice Ginsburg, the only remaining woman on the Court, may also be nearing the end of her stretch. She is 72 years old and received cancer treatment about six years ago. It is still unclear if she has fully recovered. Many believe she wants to remain on the Supreme Court until a different President can choose someone to replace her who will share her liberal opinions.
Another vacancy on the nation's highest court will give President Bush even more say in what decisions the Court makes in the future. Like many Presidents before him, he will most likely pick people to be Justices who will make decisions that are in line with his own political views.
Joyce Comments: Possible candidates for the next nomination, if President George W. Bush, gets to pick are:
Judge Karen Williams
Judge J. Michael Luttig
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