The Supreme Court is the ultimate guardian of our freedoms.
Supreme Court justices retain their seats for life, or until they choose to retire. And while they only see a tiny percentage of federal cases, there is a reason the Supreme Court is the highest court in the land. It is there that debates are settled, that doctrines are set, and that millions of Americans look for justice and wisdom. Democrats believe the Supreme Court should protect our fundamental ideals: the rights of women, workers, and voters; privacy and civil rights; environmental protections and public education.
Latest Supreme Court News
Today, we celebrate the glorious Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education (1954) and reaffirm our commitment to the betterment of our schools and the advancement of equality for all.
Democratic National Committee Voting Rights Institute Chair Donna Brazile issued a statement in response to today's decision by the Supreme Court to hear the Indiana voter ID case.
Oliver Hill, pioneering civil rights lawyer, has passed away at the age of 100.
Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA) introduced the Fair Pay Restoration Act today to undo the damage done by the Supreme Court's recent ruling in Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire.
Across the country, people expressed dismay at yesterday’s Supreme Court ruling that turned back the clock on 53 years of work by schools around the country to provide all children with a quality education. Editorial boards echoed the sentiment saying that the Court “repudiated the last half-century of race-conscious efforts to overcome that tortured racial legacy,” “will accelerate the trend toward school resegregation in many parts of the country,” and that in the “name of abiding by the letter of Brown, the court has dishonored its spirit.”
The Supreme Court also ruled 5-4 today against an antitrust rule that has existed for almost a century.
Supreme Court rules 5-4 against school desegregation.
The Supreme Court ruled against one of the major provisions in the 2002 campaign finance reform act yesterday, in another narrow 5-4 ruling. The decision was called an example of "greater hostility on the court to federal limitations on money in politics."
The Supreme Court ruled today that taxpayers rights are limited when it comes to challenging unlawful government expenditures that violate the separation of church and state.
The U.S. Supreme Court issued a 5-4 ruling to the federal government on Monday to take a new look at regulating carbon dioxide emissions from automobiles.
The New York Times looks at the questions before the Supreme Court as they begin their second term under Chief Justice, John Roberts. Chances are high that the new term, which begins on Monday, will be different. The cases that...
It's one thing to constantly harp on unethical Republicans, and we should continue to shine the light and let all the roaches scatter where they may. But actions speak louder than words, and the Democratic National Committee is taking the...
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean today issued the following statement on the party line vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Judge Samuel Alito's nomination to the Supreme Court.
"Because Judge Alito simply must not be allowed to use a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court to advance that agenda, Democrats on the Judiciary Committee stood together to protect Americans' individual rights and freedoms in voting against this nomination... When the full Senate votes on this nomination, Judge Alito should be rejected."
You might remember Senator Feingold asking Chief Justice Roberts about members of the Supreme Court accepting gifts from organizations while they sit on the bench. Turns out, there was a good reason for that question. At the historic swearing-in of...
USA Today Editorial: Obfuscating answers — and avoidance of answers — have been the habit of all recent nominees, making it impossible to say with certainty where a nominee will take the court. But a case decided by the court...
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean issued the following statement on Judge Alito's nomination to our nation's highest court and the need to protect individual liberties even while our nation fights terrorism.
Despite troubling questions about President Bush’s nominee to a lifetime appointment on the Supreme Court, Senate Republicans are obstructing a proper inquiry and thorough questioning to resolve them.
Chris Bowers and I had an opportunity yesterday evening to sit down with Feminist Majority Foundation President Eleanor Smeal. The Feminist Majority Foundation is an organization "dedicated to women's equality, reproductive health, and non-violence. In all spheres, FMF utilizes research...
Chris Bowers and I patrolled the interview area during the break and asked the thoughts of several advocacy group leaders and one United States Senator on Samuel Alito's forgetfullness regarding his involvement with the Concerned Alumni of Princeton.
Just wanted to set a bit of the scene before I head down to the interview room during the break.
Only in Alito's America do you need a computer to remind you that you own between $390,000 to $975,000 worth of stock in a corporation. After watching only a half day of hearings, it is very hard to believe much of what Samuel Alito is saying.
Unfortunately for Alito supporters, the National Association of Women Lawyers just released their evaluation of Sam Alito, and regard him as "not qualified."
Watching the confirmation hearings, a few things stand out—many of which revolve around the issue of trust. Judge Alito almost gives the impression of a man who will say anything he can in a job interview to get that job; in this case, it’s a job interview for the United States Supreme Court.
The hearings for Judge Samuel Alito's nomination to the Supreme Court started in the Senate this morning with opening statements. The Associated Press has agood run-down of exactly how they went, including a Democratic pledge to not let Altio go by unquestioned. If you're interested in speaking out on Judge Alito, you can write a letter to the editor of your local paper
here.
A Wall Street Journal/Harris Poll released earlier today. Wall Street Journal/Harris Poll. December 8-14, 2005. 1,961 Adults. MoE +/- 2% "President Bush has nominated Samuel Alito to be an associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Do you believe he...
Governor Howard Dean called on the U.S. Senate to reject the nomination of Samuel Alito while urging millions of Americans to add their names to his on a petition to be presented to U.S. Senators this Thursday.
People for the American Way: Save The Court A national nonpartisan advocacy organization consistently updating their website with relevant information pertaining to the nomination of Samuel Alito. SaveTheCourt.org also has a number of opportunities for meaningful participation by individuals across...
You've probably seen a number of domestic spy defenders running around talking about laying the blame for the "next attack" at the feet of those opposed to unchecked executive power. After hearing it about half a dozen times on cable...
In a few weeks confirmation hearings for Samuel Alito will begin in the Senate. Already serious questions are being raised about his record on important matters such as civil rights. A person seeking a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court must be upfront and honest with the Senate -- and with the American people.
Republican Senate Leader Bill Frist invokes principle, his conscience, and even the Founding Fathers in defense of the "up or down vote" -- when it's convenient.
WTOP News: A large chunk of marble has fallen from the facade of the Supreme Court building. Eyewitnesses on the scene say no one was injured when the large piece fell onto the steps where tourists normally enter the Supreme...
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean today issued the following statement on the nomination of Samuel Alito to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Think Progress has some background on Bush's do-over nomination for Justice O'Connor's seat:ALITO WOULD OVERTURN ROE V. WADE: In his dissenting opinion in Planned Parenthood v. Casey, Alito concurred with the majority in supporting the restrictive abortion-related measures passed by...
Dean: "President Bush ... failed to respond to the many legitimate questions raised about Miers' qualifications, and refused to release documents or disclose vital information that could have shed light on her qualifications."
Harriet Miers withdrew her nomination to be a Supreme Court justice Thursday in the face of stiff opposition and mounting criticism about her qualifications.
Harriet Miers has withdrawn her nomination to the United States Supreme Court. From the Associated Press: "Harriet Miers withdrew her nomination to be a Supreme Court justice Thursday in the face of stiff opposition and mounting criticism about her qualifications."
This weekend, the Dallas Morning News reported that the state of Texas agreed to purchase property, owned by Miers' family, for more than 18 times its assessed value in 1999. The purchase price was set by a 3-member panel, that included two individuals with close ties to Miers.
In today's The Hill, Alexander Bolton examines Senate Republicans' call for the White House to release internal documents related to Supreme Court nominee Harriet Miers' tenure as White House counsel.
"The year Harriet Miers began work as a senior presidential aide in the White House, the city of Dallas slapped three liens in three months on a property she controls in a low-income minority Dallas neighborhood, records show."
In today's
LA Times, Martin Garbus, an attorney and author of "Courting Disaster: The Supreme Court and the Unmaking of American Law", argues that the President's use of executive privilege to stonewall documents does not override the constitutional obligations of the Senate to give the informed consent necessary to determine the qualifications of Supreme Court nominees.
On his radio show yesterday, influential conservative leader James Dobson indicated that he received a special briefing from President Bush's top political adviser, Karl Rove, on Supreme Court nominee Harriet Miers.
Editorial pages around the country are starting to weigh in on Miers's scant public record and concerns about her qualifications.
Yesterday, President Bush named close confidante Harriet Miers, who has been involved in virtually every aspect of the President's political career, to replace Sandra Day O'Connor on the United States Supreme Court.
A politically weak Bush couldn't pick a nominee that would appeal to the most extreme members of his right-wing base, who are up in arms.
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean today issued the following statement on the Senate vote to approve John Roberts as Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court.
Dean: "If we lose, better to go down fighting and standing for what we believe in, because we will not win an election if the public doesn't think we'll stand up for what we believe in."
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean issued the following statement on Supreme Court Chief Justice Nominee John Roberts.
The Bush Adminstration refused to come clean about John Roberts's record and rejected over 100,000 requests for key documents. You can read the letter from the Department of Justice: Read the entire letter [PDF] Adminstration stonewalling and Roberts's silence on...
Democratic Leader Harry Reid of Nevada took to the Senate floor to announce his opposition to confirming John Roberts as Chief Justice.
In less than 24 hours, Democrats across the country have written 52,983 letters to editors of local and national newspapers.
After a week of avoiding questions on important judicial issues and refusing to address the concerns of Senators on the Judiciary Committee, President Bush's Chief Justice nominee, Judge John Roberts, has shown his true colors.
What John Roberts has said in his Senate confirmation hearings contrasts dramatically with the major points in his record.
After refusing to answer questions at least 60 times yesterday alone yesterday, Roberts continued that strategy during today's questioning.
Gov. Dean sent an op-ed about his verdict on John Roberts to the nation's newspapers. Join him in spreading the word by writing a letter to the editor of your local newspaper about John Roberts's troubling record on our basic rights.
Governor Dean wrote the following op-ed for national distribution.
With Judiciary Committee hearings underway, information on Judge John Roberts continues to trickle out, making it clear that the White House seems incapable of providing the Senate the information it needs about John Roberts career and writings.
As the Senate Judiciary Committee begins confirmation hearings for John Roberts, serious questions remain about Roberts's record and his commitment to the basic rights that all Americans enjoy.
DNC Chairman Howard Dean said the few details about Roberts' record on civil rights that have been revealed - despite the White House's continued stonewalling - raise serious concerns about the President's and his nominee's commitment to protecting the basic rights and freedoms of every American.
As the United States Congress returns to Washington after summer recess, the Autumn of 2005 poses a significant test of leadership for the Bush White House as the nation and the federal government confront a series of critically important issues: the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Roberts' nomination as Chief Justice, a second Supreme Court vacancy, the economic impact of sharply rising energy prices, and continued violence in Iraq.
Is it really helpful to the White House to have associattes of Tom DeLay and Jack Abramoff leading the charge to support John Roberts, whose civil rights record is troubling enough as it is?
Thousands of pages of signatures on our FOIA requests are at the Justice Department.
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean issued the following radio actuality on Judge John Roberts' nomination.
New reports indicate that President Bush’s nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court, John Roberts, repeatedly took positions that were hostile to measures to protect and expand women’s rights in America.
Currently the Ronald Reagan Presidential library is investigating what happened to a missing file containing Bush's Supreme Court Nominee John Roberts' views on affirmative action.
This afternoon, we'll be sending the Freedom of Information Act request to the Justice Department to request information about John Roberts's work on 16 key cases during his tenure in the first President Bush's Solicitor General's office.
Kennedy: No one has an automatic right to a lifetime position on the Supreme Court. A nominee to the high court must first demonstrate that he has a core commitment to constitutional rights and liberties.
On Monday we will submit a formal request under the Freedom of Information Act from Governor Howard Dean and anyone else who wishes to be a part of it to get the full story about John Roberts' record. Learn how you can sign on.
Choosing to erect a stone wall instead of being open and honest with the American people, the White House has refused to release important memos written by President Bush's Supreme Court nominee John Roberts while he was a top Justice Department official.
On Face the Nation, Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean thoughtfully laid out the Democratic Party’s positive agenda for America in four simple words: we can do better.
Abusing its power, the White House is holding back important information about John Roberts' record, frantically searching for "surprises" that might endanger the smooth rubber-stamp approval process they've been planning.
This could all be over if the White House simply came clean and released a full and honest compilation of Roberts record, instead of providing the a laughably incomplete one, stonewalling on important records and dragging their feet on releasing the portion they already have promised.
Can we afford to push the Supreme Court further out of the mainstream?
Kudos to the folks at ABC who found footage of Supreme Court nominee John Roberts answering questions on a wide range of constitutional issues.
As Americans try to figure out what Judge John G. Roberts Jr. will be like as a U.S. Supreme Court justice, one idea seems to have become almost conventional wisdom: that whatever Judge Roberts is now, once he is on the court he might develop into something different.
Did he forget, or is this the most poorly handled Bush administration appointment sice Bernie Kerik?
In Roberts' 83 page Senate questionnaire he failed to disclose his past as a lobbyist for the Cosmetics, Toiletries, and Fragrance Association. The Senate had asked for all of Roberts' lobbying clients as part of the questionnaire.
There is nothing more vital in this process than a thorough and public questioning of the nominee, and Democrats are committed to asking the important questions.
The New York Times looks at Roberts' record in the Reagan administration and finds that he was often more conservative than many of the conservative luminaries of the day.
Newspapers across the country are resisting the rhetoric of the Republican Party's spin machine on Bush's Supreme Court nominee, John Roberts.
Supreme Court Nominee John G. Roberts, Jr. denies any membership with the Federalist Society, but the facts prove otherwise.
It is disappointing that when President Bush had the chance to bring the country together, he instead turned to a nominee who has sharp partisan credentials.
DNC Chairman Howard Dean and Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid joined thousands of Democrats all across the country for a briefing this afternoon about the fight to protect our values as President Bush considers his nominee to replace Justice O'Connor on the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court is the ultimate guardian of our freedoms, and will shape the kind of society we live in. Every single one of us has a responsibility to be informed and engaged in the process of shaping our highest court.
This week, Americans have
hope in our President. President Bush has the opportunity to unite our coun
try and change the divisive legacy of his Presidency - with his choice for
a nominee to the Supreme Court.
The vacancy on the Supreme Court is an opportunity for Bush to abandon the divisive and unpopular choices he has made during his second term and bring the country together with a fair-minded nominee who will fight to protect the rights of all Americans.
On this Fourth of July, Americans are united in celebration of our nation's unwavering commitment to freedom, justice, and individual liberty.
Washington, DC -- DNC Chair Howard Dean today applauded Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor's service to the nation. He called on President Bush to follow the example set when President Reagan nominated Justice O'Connor by choosing consensus over conflict...
Now President Bush faces an important choice. Will he follow the instructions in the Constitution to consult the Senate when choosing a nominee to replace O'Connor on the Supreme Court?
Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor has resigned.
