Litigation

?Justice Stevens Watch? Reaches Fever Pitch

By Charlie Hall

Curiosity about the future of Justice John Paul Stevens, already at high intensity, has gone off the media charts, led by Adam Liptak’s New York Times article, “At 89, Stevens Contemplates Law, and How to Leave It.”

Tantalizingly, in a sit-down interview, Justice Stevens declared there were “pros and cons” between continuing and ending his 35-year career on the U.S. Supreme Court. Either way, he said, the decision will come soon: ?I do have to fish or cut bait, just for my own personal peace of mind and also in fairness to the process. The president and the Senate need plenty of time to fill a vacancy.?

Among Justice Stevens’ pro points: He still loves the job, proudly declaring that he still writes the first drafts of all his opinions. Among the cons: He’s starting to feel his age-although maybe less than others of his age, since Justice Stevens remains an avid tennis player, just a few weeks from his 90th birthday.

The possibility of a new nomination to the court by President Obama had other writers and commentators in overdrive:

• Washington Post: “After Years as Justice, John Paul Stevens Wants ‘What’s Best for Court’ “
• BusinessWeek: Kagan, Two Judges Said to Be Considered for U.S. Supreme Court
• Wall Street Journal: “Court Challenge: Replacing Stevens“
• Huffington Post: John Paul Stevens Retiring?: Top Picks To Be The Next Supreme Court Justice

 

Full post as published by The Gavel on April 05, 2010 (boomark / email).