StudySpace: We the People ed. 6

For Justice 1-3, please list the following:
Date appointed
Appointed by
Age at appointment
Political Party
Confirmation Vote
Conservative/Liberal

1. Justice 1:
   
   

2. Justice 2:
   
   

3. Justice 3:
   
   

4. What are the political philosophies of these justices? Is there a relationship between political party and judicial philosophy? Did you encounter any exceptions
   
   

5. Were the confirmation votes nearly unanimous? If presidents select nominees with a particular political view, why do you think most justices win confirmation easily? Do Americans expect these justices to be neutral or partisan? Why is this an important issue?
   
   

6. Do you think that it is important that there is a diversity in terms of race, religion, gender, and so on, on the Supreme Court? Does this Court represent diversity, in your opinion? Explain.
   
   

7. Federal judges serve for life; if the average Supreme Court justice retires at age seventy-five, how old will you be when each of these justices retires? Does this help you understand why the confirmation process is so important?
   
   

8. What consequences do you see, good and bad, for someone to serve for such a long time on the Court? Would you favor fixed terms? Explain.
   
   

9. President George W. Bush signed an order pertaining to the creation of military tribunals. Read the text of the order at

   www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2001/11/20011113-27.html

   and a brief overview of military tribunals at http://writ.news.findlaw.com/tribunals.html; then answer the following questions:

   Does President Bush have the authority to order the creation of military tribunals?
   
   

10. What are some arguments for the creation of military tribunals?
    
    

11. Should individuals accused of terrorism against the United States be afforded constitutional protections? Why?
    
    

12. What, if any, rights should be afforded individuals accused of terrorism against the United States? Why?