Overview
Compose a written response to one of the following prompts below containing a minimum of 150 words.
Politics heavily influences the Supreme Court nomination process. In 2016, after Justice Antonin Scalia's death, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell blocked President Obama's nominee, Merrick Garland, stating the next president should choose the justice. However, in 2020, after Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's death, McConnell allowed President Trump to nominate Amy Coney Barrett just weeks before the election.
Respond to one of the following questions.
Question 1. Discuss the fairness and consistency of the U.S. judicial nomination process, focusing on how political actions like these impact the Court's political leanings. To what extent do political considerations impact the nomination and confirmation of judges, and how does this political influence affect the political leanings of the Court? How do such decisions affect U.S. law, especially in civil rights and civil liberties? Refer to the readings for guidance.
OR
Question 2. Next, find an editorial or news article regarding the the pick of Amy Coney Barrett or the politicization of Supreme Court picks. Provide a link to the article and your reaction. Describe what you would do, if anything, to improve the nomination process. Conclude with the impact that justices have on on civil liberties or civil rights and provide one or more examples.