On today’s broadcast of NPR‘s “Morning Edition“: The broadcast contained segments entitled “Roberts Nomination: A Look Inside the Process“; “How Judge Clement Came into the Media Glare“; and “Roberts’ Brand of Judicial Conservatism” (featuring Law Professor Jeffrey Rosen). RealPlayer is required to launch these audio segments.
“Court leaks can’t be tolerated”: This editorial appears today in The St. Petersburg Times.
“Roberts has avoided tipping his hand; In 2003, he fended off Senate questions about his views on divisive issues”: Gail Gibson has this article today in The Baltimore Sun. The newspaper also contains articles headlined “Modest, measured, a Washington oddity“; “Democrats, GOP begin dance over nominee; Hearings likely to begin early Sept., Specter says“; “Bush opens drive to raise Roberts’ profile; President praises, sticks close to his nominee for Supreme Court seat“; and “Critics lament loss of woman’s perspective; Some question wisdom of putting another white male on high court.”
In The Chicago Tribune today, Jan Crawford Greenburg reports that “Democrats want internal memos on hot-button issues.” And in other coverage, “Town gushes over ‘smartest guy in class’“; “Judge meets his jury on Capitol Hill“; and “Nomination vexes liberals, women; Loss of 2nd female voice is seen as cause for concern.”
The Boston Globe reports that “All eyes are on nominee; Democrats vow to learn court pick’s abortion views.” Charlie Savage reports that “Environmental groups study Roberts’s rulings with concern.” In other coverage, “To many, he is a quiet conservative; Nominee’s friends laud brilliant mind and humility.” An editorial is entitled “Questions for a judge.” Columnist Joan Vennochi has an op-ed entitled “A smart choice by Bush.” And Law Professor Martha Minow has an op-ed entitled “High stakes for legal issues.”
The San Francisco Chronicle reports that “Senate likely to OK Roberts.” And Bob Egelko reports that “Roberts’ resume runs political gamut.”
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette contains articles headlined “Court fight shaping up; Skirmishing over how to question Roberts“; “Activists mobilize, but will they matter?“; and “A handful protest Bush’s court choice; Small group gathers at Federal Building, Downtown.”
The Houston Chronicle reports that “Bush’s low-key choice dodges fireworks so far; Lawmakers take in the nomination, promising to mine Roberts’ record on the pivotal issues.”
In The Dallas Morning News, Allen Pusey reports that “Roberts’ legal decisions show conservative colors, bit of flair.” And in other coverage, “Roberts gearing up to defend his record in Senate hearings; Democrats question his stance on abortion; backers urge fairness” and “Selection doesn’t serve diversity, groups complain; Some women, minorities hope Bush will reach out with next vacancy.”
The St. Petersburg Times reports that “Odd cases reflect on nominee’s philosophy; Is Supreme Court nominee John G. Roberts Jr. a tough upholder of blind justice or an eminently balanced judge?” and “For nominee, a day to meet, greet; Senators welcome John G. Roberts Jr. on his first full day in the political limelight as interest groups gear up for a fight.” And an editorial is entitled “Judging John Roberts: During the confirmation process, the Senate should embrace its ‘advice and consent’ role and focus on the Supreme Court nominee’s views on federalism.”
In The Philadelphia Inquirer, political analyst Dick Polman has an article headlined “On the Hill: Don’t look for a Borking.” In other coverage, “Area senators optimistic and cautious“; “Business leaders support nominee; Judge Roberts’ judicial and corporate experience drew praise; CEOs said he understood the business world“: and “Specter pledges ‘full, fair’ hearings; Optimistic that there will not be a filibuster, he said he would allow a wide range of questions.” An editorial is entitled “Supreme Court Nomination: Take your time, senators.” Law Professor Neil S. Siegel has an op-ed entitled “Rigorous questions would be only fair.” And Law Professor Marci Hamilton has an op-ed entitled “Independent voice vs. an insider’s view.”
And The Times-Picayune reports that “Activists marshal money, manpower in court fight; La. represented on both sides of debate.”
“Same-sex marriage becomes law of the land; Royal assent on controversial legislation caps raucous parliamentary session”: This article appears today in The Toronto Globe and Mail.
“Court Nominee’s Life Is Rooted in Faith and Respect for Law”: This lengthy profile appears today in The New York Times. The newspaper also contains articles headlined:
Columnist David Brooks has an op-ed entitled “A Competent Conservative.” And Law Professor Jeffrey Rosen has an op-ed entitled “In Search of John Roberts.”
Today in The Washington Post, Charles Lane has a front page article headlined “Short Record as Judge Is Under a Microscope.” The newspaper also contains articles headlined:
The newspaper also contains an editorial entitled “Stakes for the Court.” Columnist E.J. Dionne Jr. has an op-ed entitled “A Right Turn With a Smile.” Columnist Richard Cohen has an op-ed entitled “Chad Tidings.” Law Professor John Yoo has an op-ed entitled “High Court Peace Offering.” And columnist Marc Fisher has an essay entitled “Judicial Analysis Made Easy.”
The Los Angeles Times contains articles headlined “Democrats Forgo Discord on Court Pick, at Least for Now“; “Wife of Nominee Holds Strong Antiabortion Views“; “Tiny, Insular Town Was Home; John G. Roberts Jr. spent his teen years in Long Beach, Ind., popular with Bethlehem Steel executives like his father“; and “Confirmation Path May Run Through Florida; Roberts’ low-profile role as an advisor to Republicans during the 2000 presidential recount fight is likely to be closely scrutinized.” In addition, Law Professor Richard Schragger has an op-ed entitled “At risk: Roe, rights and religion.”
The Washington Times today contains articles headlined “Nominee no stranger to Supreme Court“; “Senate GOP rallies for Roberts“; and “Conservatives prepared to spend on court fight.” An editorial is entitled “The Roberts nomination.” And Thomas Sowell has an op-ed entitled “Calculated confusion.”
The Miami Herald contains an article headlined “Roberts gave GOP advice in 2000 recount; John G. Roberts, President Bush’s nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court, played a role in the chaotic, 36-day period following the disputed 2000 presidential election.”
The Indianapolis Star contains articles headlined “Indiana roots, with a twist; ‘He was born a star, I guess’ recalls Roberts’ teacher” and “Colleagues recall ‘a regular Midwest guy.’”
In The New York Sun, Josh Gerstein reports that “Judge Roberts Begins the Rounds of the Senate.” The newspaper also contains an editorial entitled “A Long-Standing Norm.”
USA Today contains front page articles headlined “Next question on nominee: What does he really think? It’s hard to tell if views he expressed as a litigator or as a circuit judge reflect his own, or if he was just bound by precedents and clients’ interests” and “‘Very good start’ for Roberts
Poll: 76% need more details about his views.” In other coverage, “Advocates still hope for female or Hispanic pick“; “Friends tell of a modest but highly motivated man; Born in Buffalo and raised in Indiana, Roberts rose to the top in Washington“; and “Senators keep quiet on nominee; activists don’t.” And Mario M. Cuomo has an op-ed entitled “Keep wall between judiciary and politics: The Founders wanted separation; Any effort to bridge that divide should be enough to wake up a quiet populace.”
Finally for now, The Wall Street Journal today contains an editorial entitled “Roberts Rules: Moving the Supreme Court back toward the center.”
“The John Roberts Supreme Court Nomination: If Democrats Fight His Confirmation, They’ll Be Very Unlikely to Win.” FindLaw commentator Edward Lazarus has this essay today.
And yesterday, FindLaw columnist Michael C. Dorf had an essay entitled “‘The Nation’s Second-Highest Court’ Upholds Military Commissions.”
Available online from National Public Radio: Yesterday evening’s broadcast of “All Things Considered,” in addition to containing the segments previously mentioned here, also contained segments entitled “Roberts’ Legal Record, Public and Private” (featuring Nina Totenberg); “Senators Weigh Roberts’ Record“; and “Calculating Roberts’ Chances.”
And yesterday’s broadcast of “Talk of the Nation” contained a segment entitled “Who Is John Roberts?”
“Some thoughts on John Roberts”: Law Professor Brad Joondeph has this interesting post at Think Progress’s “Supreme Court Extra” blog about his former summer associate mentor at the Hogan & Hartson law firm.
“U.S. a Battlefield, Solicitor General Tells Judges; Case of Man Held 3 Years Without Trial Focuses Attention on Administration’s Anti-Terror Policies”: The Washington Post today contains an article that begins, “A top government attorney declared Tuesday that, in the war on terror, the United States is a battlefield, and therefore President Bush has the authority to detain enemy combatants indefinitely in this country.”
The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports today that “‘Dirty bomb’ case in court; Lawyers argue here over detention of man as enemy combatant.”
And in The New York Sun, Josh Gerstein reports that “Judges Weigh Detention of Suspected U.S. Al Qaeda Member; Appeals Panel Considers Case of Padilla, Who Has Not Been Charged.”
“Nominee’s Son Shows Family’s Playful Side”: The Associated Press provides this report. And see my related post from earlier today.
“Bush’s Supreme Court Choice Is a Judge Anchored in Modern Law”: Linda Greenhouse has this news analysis today in The New York Times. Adam Liptak has an article headlined “A Career Largely on One Side of the Bench and Involving a Wide Variety of Issues.” In related coverage, “Groups Gird for the Battle Over What Can Be Asked.” And this upcoming Sunday’s Magazine section will contain an essay by Law Professor Jeffrey Rosen entitled “Supreme Modesty.”
The Washington Post today contains an article headlined “At the Capitol, Democrats Wait To Fill in the Blank.” And Howard Kurtz’s “Media Notes” column today is headlined “Edith Someone, Michael and John: A Media Name Game; Divining Bush’s Nominee Became a Supreme Struggle.”
The Los Angeles Times provides a news update headlined “Senate Democrats Withhold Judgment on Roberts.”
Stephen Henderson of Knight Ridder Newspapers reports that “Roberts is well liked, but his judicial record isn’t clear.” Also available are articles headlined “Roberts meets with Senate leaders” and “Bush’s nominee for Supreme Court will likely set off a fight.”
“Court-nominee Roberts makes rounds in Congress”: Thomas Ferraro of Reuters provides this report.
And via the Courting Influence web site, you can access online here Judge John G. Roberts, Jr.‘s financial disclosure report for 2003 and here Roberts’s answers to the Senate Judiciary Committee‘s questionnaire in connection with his D.C. Circuit nomination.
“The Right Stuff: John Roberts should be a quick confirm.” Ted Cruz, the Solicitor General of Texas, has this essay at National Review Online.
Agnostic uncertain whether existence of courthouse Ten Commandments plaque will cause him to initiate suit in federal court: This article appeared yesterday in The Express-Times of Easton, Pennsylvania.
In news from Mississippi: The Clarion-Ledger provides a news update headlined “Judge dismisses extortion charge in Diaz trial” that begins, “A federal judge today threw out one count of extortion against state Supreme Court Justice Oliver Diaz Jr., saying the government’s reasoning for including it in the indictment was ‘simply too tenuous.'”
And The Biloxi Sun Herald provides a news update headlined “Judge dismisses charge against Diaz.”
Available online from National Public Radio: This evening’s broadcast of “All Things Considered” contained segments entitled “High Court Nominee Roberts Visits Capitol Hill“; “Partisans Gear Up for Confirmation“; and “John Roberts: A Roommate’s View.”
And today’s broadcast of “Day to Day” contained segments entitled “Slate’s Jurisprudence: What’s Ahead for Roberts” (featuring Emily Bazelon); “Advocacy Groups React to Roberts High Court Nod“; and “Hawaiians Seek Same Rights as American Indians.”
RealPlayer is required to launch these audio segments.
“Recall drive against judge is called off; Organizers were unable to get enough signatures opposing a jurist who upheld partners law”: The Sacramento Bee today contains an article that begins, “The recall drive to unseat Sacramento Superior Court Judge Loren E. McMaster for upholding a same-sex domestic partners law was abandoned Tuesday because not enough signatures were gathered.”
“Preliminary Report on the Nomination of D.C. Circuit Judge John G. Roberts to the United States Supreme Court”: The Alliance for Justice has issued this preliminary report.
Gun-toting juror causes Fifth Circuit to set aside Texas death sentence on habeas review: It wasn’t that the juror was so pro-death that he was hoping to impose the sentence himself. Rather, the juror was arrested for unlawful possession of a gun while the penalty phase of the capital trial was underway and faced being prosecuted by the same office that was prosecuting the death penalty case. You can access today’s “implied bias” ruling at this link.
“Five Questions For Roberts”: Online at National Journal, Stuart Taylor Jr. has this essay.
Not to be outdone, Matt Welch online at Reason offers “7 Questions for John Roberts: What I’d like the Senate to ask the Supreme Court nominee.”
Online at The New Republic, Ryan Lizza has an essay entitled “Unnatural Selection: By choosing Roberts, Bush broke with most of his known habits.”
Online at The Nation, Bruce Shapiro has an essay entitled “The Stakes in Roberts’ Nomination.”
Online at The American Prospect, Adele M. Stan has an essay entitled “Meet John Roberts: A first-class lawyer with a sense of humor; Too bad he’s a threat to women’s rights — and the Constitution.”
Online at Salon.com, Peter Rubin has an essay entitled “What does John Roberts believe? Bush’s selection looks like a political masterstroke; But if Judge Roberts proves to be an ideologue in the Scalia/Thomas mold, he and the president may run into a Democratic buzz saw.” Katharine Mieszkowski has an essay entitled “The John Roberts dossier: Everything you need to know about Bush’s nominee, before the battle begins.” And Salon also offers an item headlined “‘Sterling’ judge or ‘extreme rightist’? Activists and scholars size up Bush’s Supreme Court nominee.”
Finally, at WorldNetDaily, Ann Coulter has an essay entitled “Souter in Roberts’ clothing.”
The wire services are reporting: The Associated Press offers reports headlined “CBS’s John Roberts Anchors Roberts Report“; “O’Connor Praises Supreme Court Nominee“; “Lugar Among Roberts’ Donation Recipients“; “Roberts Has Backed Administration Policies“; and “Feds: Media Shield Bill Bad Public Policy.”
Reuters, meanwhile, offers reports headlined “Bush urges Senate to back his Supreme Court pick“; “Democrats unlikely to block Bush court nominee-analysts“; “Bush administration opposes shield for journalists“; and “Trial appeals by Ebbers, others, seen as longshots.”
“Metro French Fry Case: In D.C., Roberts Got Taste of National Spotlight.” This article appears today in The Washington Post.
Thursday in The Christian Science Monitor, Warren Richey will have an article headlined “A conservative with few hard edges.” That newspaper will also contain an article headlined “Bush’s pick meets measured reaction; Democratic statements on Roberts could signal a less-than-contentious confirmation” and an editorial entitled “What to Ask Nominee Roberts; Senators should probe his impartiality.”
Tom Curry, national affairs writer for MSNBC, has articles headlined “Why Roberts looks likely to win: Solid conservative vetting, slim paper trail, Mr. Establishment demeanor” and “A history of drama, revenge and vindication: Senate battles over Supreme Court nominations go back to 1795.”
U.S. News & World Report offers an article headlined “John G. Roberts: conservative but little known.”
And Newsweek offers an article by Debra Rosenberg headlined “Bush’s Choice: His judicial record is limited, his credentials are unquestioned; That makes John G. Roberts a tough target.” Howard Fineman has an essay entitled “Paying ‘The Base’: Ever loyal, President Bush is rewarding conservatives with his choice of John Roberts–a man that liberals will have difficulty blocking.” And Richard Wolffe and Holly Bailey have an essay entitled “Changing the Subject? President Bush’s handling of his Supreme Court nomination has stressed dignity and civility; But its timing has also deflected attention from Karl Rove.”
A joyous occasion for dance: As The Associated Press reports here:
The couple have two adopted children, Jack and Josie, both under 6. Jack Roberts, in short pants and saddle shoes, took advantage of the White House stage Tuesday night, dancing during the president’s announcement.
Last night’s broadcast of the ABC News program “Nightline” concluded by showing video of the dancing. You can access photos here, here, here, here, and here.
“Q&A: Post’s Lane on Nomination.” This morning, washingtonpost.com hosted an online chat with Charles Lane, the reporter who covers the U.S. Supreme Court for the newspaper. You can access a transcript of the online chat at this link.
John G. Roberts, Jr.‘s wife would likely face a Senate filibuster if she had been nominated to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court: The “Think Progress” blog has a post titled “Roberts’ Wife was Board Member of ‘Feminists for Life.’”
If the U.S. Senate follows President Bush’s advice, we may see fewer instances of dialogue from Beavis & Butthead at John G. Roberts, Jr.‘s forthcoming confirmation hearing: CNN.com reports that “Bush calls for dignified court confirmation; President nominates D.C. circuit court judge for Supreme Court.” If adhered to, this could reduce the likelihood that one Senator would characterize another Senator’s questions as “dumbass,” as occurred (details here) during one of Judge Roberts’s confirmation hearings for the D.C. Circuit.
“Thank You, Mr. President: Last week, John Roberts wrote Bush a blank check.” Emily Bazelon has this jurisprudence essay online at Slate.
The Sacramento Bee is reporting: Today’s newspaper contains articles headlined “Bush’s choice for court a clear conservative; Some criticize D.C. judge; allies say he’s in mainstream“; “Boxer critical; Feinstein waits for the hearing“; “Senators cautious about nominee; Judiciary Committee is expected to take its time examining credentials“; and “Nominee has long written for GOP on issue of abortion.”
“Critical Theory: John Roberts would be a problematic justice–but not for the reason Democrats think.” William J. Stuntz has this essay (pass-through link) online today at The New Republic.
In today’s edition of The Los Angeles Times: An article reports that “Bush Leans Right in Court Pick; Roberts Has Longtime GOP Ties but a Short Resume as Appellate Judge.”
David G. Savage has a profile headlined “A Brief on the Nominee: He’s low-key, smart and effective and does not come with much political baggage; As a lawyer, he argued cases across the spectrum.”
And in other coverage, “A Fight, Maybe, but Not a Battle; Roberts should appeal to staunch conservatives yet be insulated from fierce opposition“; “Conservatives, Pleased With Pick, Say Bush Kept Promise“; and “Democrats Keep Rhetorical Powder Dry; Party leaders say the record and philosophy of Roberts need to be scrutinized; Unlike in the Bork nomination, senators hold their fire.”
An editorial is entitled “A judicious choice.” And Rosa Brooks has an op-ed entitled “A court that nudges more than it leads.”
Access online the letter of support that D.C. Bar members submitted to U.S. Senate leaders in support of the confirmation of John G. Roberts, Jr. to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit: The letter, which President Bush mentioned when introducing Judge Roberts to the Nation last night, can be viewed by clicking here.
On today’s broadcast of NPR‘s “Morning Edition“: The broadcast contained segments entitled “Bush Picks Appellate Judge to Fill O’Connor Vacancy” (featuring Nina Totenberg); “How Roberts’ Nomination Came About“; “Bush Supreme Court Nomination Mobilizes Activist Groups“; “Reaction in Senate to Supreme Court Nominee“; and “Leahy on Roberts’ Supreme Court Nomination.” RealPlayer is required to launch these audio segments.
“Alum Tapped for High Court; President Bush nominates John G. Roberts ’76 to post of Associate Justice of the Supreme Court”: The Harvard Crimson offers this report.
And The Hill reports today that “GOP confirmation plan awaits nominee Roberts.”
“Roberts and ‘a gang of 3′”: Lyle Denniston has this commentary online at “The Supreme Court Nomination Blog.”
Available from National Review Online: Shannen W. Coffin has an essay entitled “Meet John Roberts: The president makes the best choice.”
Kathryn Jean Lopez has an essay entitled “Don’t Estrada Roberts: A call for no destruction during the upcoming Supreme Court hearings in the Senate.”
And an editorial is entitled “Trading Up.”
