Litigation

Great Editorial in New York Times

By Charlie Hall

A New York Times editorial, “Honest Justice,” weighed in on the Caperton v. Massey ruling, and had this to say:

The majority?s recognition of the threat posed by outsize contributions amounts to a crucial statement that judges and justice are not for sale.

Indeed, the only truly alarming thing about Monday?s decision was that it was not unanimous. The case drew an unusual array of friend-of-court briefs from across the political spectrum, and such an extreme case about an ethical matter that should transcend ideology should have united all nine justices.

Chief Justice Roberts is fond of likening a judge?s role to that of a baseball umpire. It is hard to imagine that professional baseball or its fans would trust the fairness of an umpire who accepted $3 million from one of the teams.

 Caperton has inspired editorial commentary by most of the nation’s leading newspapers. To read other editorials, see the commentaries page at Justice at Stake’s Caperton online resource site.

Full post as published by The Gavel on June 09, 2009 (boomark / email).