THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE UGLY | How SCOTUS Got More Transparent, Sorta
July 31, 2017
AS IF
|A decision from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit last week could be an ideal vehicle for the Supreme Court to finally decide whether the Second Amendment applies outside the home. But Robert Barnes from The Washington Post says, “As if.” He notes, “The fact is the justices have shown a remarkable lack of interest in deciding that issue, or in expanding upon their landmark 2008 decision in District of Columbia v. Heller. They have had multiple chances to define with specificity what the Second Amendment protects beyond Heller’s guarantee of individual gun ownership in one’s home, and they have declined each opportunity.”
THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE UGLY
|Fix the Court just released its report on how the Supreme Court fared transparency-wise over the last 10 months. Progress toward transparency was made, even if marginally so. The greatest strides were made via the high court’s new website, unveiled Friday, that will support electronic filing; digital financial disclosures; justices’ stock selloffs; and courtroom livestreaming capabilities. In addition, federal appeals courts not named “SCOTUS” became more open and accountable thanks to a rash of new broadcast and wellness initiatives. Read the full report here.
STAY FAR FROM TIMID
|The justice who never fails to be candid has lived up to her notorious nickname, spending her summer doling out blunt talk on big cases. Adam Liptak with The New York Times reports on JUSTICE RUTH BADER GINSBURG’S sweet talkin’ summer.
OH TO BE YOUNG
|The Associated Press offers us a look at the Supreme Court’s many rulings on juveniles and crime to determine how several big cases over the last dozen years have narrowed the instances in which those who commit offenses under age 18 can be subject to the harshest penalties.
WHAT COURTS CAN TELL US
|Ishaan Tharoor writes in The Washington Post that across the globe, recent political crises have hinged on the activist role played by supreme courts. “All democracies need courts and judges to defend the rule of law, safeguard constitutional order and check executive power. But we’ve seen a number of glaring instances this year when courts have instead derailed or threatened to subvert the democracies they’re supposed to protect.”
TA TA FOR NOW
|SCOTUSDaily will go on break for the month of August while the justices vacation and prepare for the new October Term. We will resume to business as usual in September, but until then you can follow us on Twitter @SCOTUSDaily for the top Supreme Court news and commentary.