Did I Mention There Are Nine Justices?
This bit of filler, to which ABC News resorts just four paragraphs into its story about Harriet Miers' Supreme Court nomination, gives you a sense of how little is known about her:
The court wields enormous influence over American life as the final arbiter of the US constitution and ultimate court of appeal, and has ruled on issues like abortion, the death penalty and same-sex marriage.
Justices are named for life but can step down.
ABC buries this bombshell in its 13th paragraph: " 'I believe the senators of both parties will find that Harriet Miers' talent, experience and judicial philosophy make her a superb choice to safeguard the constitutional liberties and equality of all Americans,' Mr. Bush said." Aha! She has a judicial philosophy! That sets her apart from newly minted Chief Justice John Roberts (by his account, anyway). Now if only we can get some sense of what that philosophy is before she's confirmed by an overwhelming majority of the Senate.