Creating precedent for the law The term “legislating from the bench” is frequently used but rarely explained. In the 2008 presidential debates Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) promised he would not appoint judges who legislate from the bench. But as Bruce Peabody, author of Legislating from the Bench, a Definition and a Defense, told the HPR, “I don’t think we can ... Read More
Judicial experience and Supreme Court nominations
Also, w/r/t Sam’s post on how few Americans believe in evolution, I’d suggest there’s no way to ask an un-loaded question about evolution. Gallup uses “theory of evolution”, which is the sort of phrasing that could prompt coming down against it for fence-sitters; this is the primary rhetorical tack of creationists. Whereas a question that emphasized the fact that it ... Read More
What’s so funny about the 44th president? No, seriously. Since November 4th, aspiring comedians, satirists, and pundits have all faced the same intractable dilemma: There are no good Barack Obama jokes. To be sure, there are jokes featuring the president-elect. Take Jay Leno: Barack Obama’s mother-in-law might be moving into the White House with him. See, Joe Biden was right. ... Read More
I was looking at the Times today and happened upon this article on the latest development in Turkey, a judge banned an openly Islamic candidate from running. Well, what really amused me and got me thinking was that Turkish news was obviously filed in the World section, and also, if you look at the top of the article, in the ... Read More
