It would be easy to critique the Chief Justice's year-end report for (once again) going out of its way to say very little. Instead, a look at a prior example of a year-end report that said much more.
The speech by Chief Justice Charles Evans Hughes is so appropriate as we begin the New Year. It's a shame that our current Chief Justice seems too busy shying away from the current issues among the three branches of government and within the Supreme Court. It's also such a shame that so many in the House and the Senate don't share these sentiments. It is so telling that you don't hear Republicans condemn the threats of violence against the judiciary and election officials. This new year will be a long one, with gains and setbacks, but we all have to continue to stand for democracy.
Those were the days. ... Checks and balances is a political hall of mirrors, democracy reflected back at itself. MarburyvMadison gives SCOTUS the power to review Congress, but alas, the converse is entirely untrue: The people have zero control over SCOTUS, unelected for life. Put all judges on a staggered ballot. A performance review from pregnant women and black voters, once every twelve years, is hardly an unreasonable request. The Roberts Robe Robbers, naked opportunists, have shredded everything from stare decisis to the ballot to the integrity of the nomination process itself. In any other position of seniority -- oh, I dunno, Presidency of Harvard, perhaps -- Clarence Thomas would be forced to resign, or even fired and blacklisted.
Steve, I may have missed it, and I apologize if I have, but I haven't seen your reaction to SubStackers Against Nazis and the Hamish McKenzie announcement? Can you tell me your position on the issue, or give a pointer to your prior statement?
Your juxtaposition of Chief Justice Hughes' substantive year‑end address against the current court’s reticence hits home, especially when citizens crave concrete accountability. A tangible way to rebuild that trust is to make https://claytoncountycourt.org more readily searchable for the public. When the judiciary demonstrates openness, it counters the narrative of avoidance you describe and encourages the legislative branches to speak up against threats. Here’s hoping 2024 brings the bold transparency and bipartisan support our system desperately needs.
Your reminder that CJ Hughes' year‑end address still resonates underscores how a clear articulation of judicial philosophy can reinforce public confidence, something the current Chief Justice seems to be sidestepping. A look at https://howardcountycourt.org shows how archival transparency has historically bolstered legitimacy during turbulent times. The contrast you draw between past candor and today’s reticence—especially the silence from many legislators on threats to courts—captures the tension we face. Hopefully 2024 brings both renewed dialogue and concrete steps to protect the rule of law.
Steve, thank you for sharing the speech by CJ Hughes. Really worth reading. Citizens need to have faith in the judiciary.
Best wishes for 2024.
The speech by Chief Justice Charles Evans Hughes is so appropriate as we begin the New Year. It's a shame that our current Chief Justice seems too busy shying away from the current issues among the three branches of government and within the Supreme Court. It's also such a shame that so many in the House and the Senate don't share these sentiments. It is so telling that you don't hear Republicans condemn the threats of violence against the judiciary and election officials. This new year will be a long one, with gains and setbacks, but we all have to continue to stand for democracy.
Those were the days. ... Checks and balances is a political hall of mirrors, democracy reflected back at itself. MarburyvMadison gives SCOTUS the power to review Congress, but alas, the converse is entirely untrue: The people have zero control over SCOTUS, unelected for life. Put all judges on a staggered ballot. A performance review from pregnant women and black voters, once every twelve years, is hardly an unreasonable request. The Roberts Robe Robbers, naked opportunists, have shredded everything from stare decisis to the ballot to the integrity of the nomination process itself. In any other position of seniority -- oh, I dunno, Presidency of Harvard, perhaps -- Clarence Thomas would be forced to resign, or even fired and blacklisted.
Steve, I may have missed it, and I apologize if I have, but I haven't seen your reaction to SubStackers Against Nazis and the Hamish McKenzie announcement? Can you tell me your position on the issue, or give a pointer to your prior statement?
That was a very nice piece.
Thank you.
Your juxtaposition of Chief Justice Hughes' substantive year‑end address against the current court’s reticence hits home, especially when citizens crave concrete accountability. A tangible way to rebuild that trust is to make https://claytoncountycourt.org more readily searchable for the public. When the judiciary demonstrates openness, it counters the narrative of avoidance you describe and encourages the legislative branches to speak up against threats. Here’s hoping 2024 brings the bold transparency and bipartisan support our system desperately needs.
Your reminder that CJ Hughes' year‑end address still resonates underscores how a clear articulation of judicial philosophy can reinforce public confidence, something the current Chief Justice seems to be sidestepping. A look at https://howardcountycourt.org shows how archival transparency has historically bolstered legitimacy during turbulent times. The contrast you draw between past candor and today’s reticence—especially the silence from many legislators on threats to courts—captures the tension we face. Hopefully 2024 brings both renewed dialogue and concrete steps to protect the rule of law.