Today in Supreme Court History: July 23, 1936

7/23/1936: Justice Anthony Kennedy's birthday.

Justice Anthony Kennedy

 

Comments

[Dan Schiavetta]

In re Roche, July 23, 1980: stayed the contempt citation against a reporter who had exercised "newspaperman's privilege" in withholding names of sources in his investigation of a Massachusetts state judge. (The judge, Elwood McKenney, was censured and forced to retire.)

[Rev. Arthur L. Kirkland]

If you are attempting to besmirch the scholarly nature of "Today In Supreme Court History" (and of the book it is attempting to peddle), you have succeeded. This endeavor resembles a discount homeschooling outline.

But it appears to be about the best right-wing legal academia can muster these days, which is nice.

Georgetown likely weeps. South Texas . . . who cares?

[Bob from Ohio]

Yes, the famous Elwood McKenney.

Get better material.

[Dan Schiavetta]

How about:

July 23, 1849: Chief Justice Taney’s pet chihuahua “Pedro” dies.

[Alpheus W Drinkwater]

He was heartbroken because Taney had decreed he could never become a full US citizen.

[Bob from Ohio]

Taney having a pet chihuahua would be more interesting than a stay order.

Just about anything would be more interesting.

[Dan Schiavetta]

Reporters were being thrown in jail for not disclosing their sources was a big issue in those days. Maybe you’re not old enough to remember. It was even the plot of a “Mary Tyler Moore Show” episode where Mary spends the night in prison. (Also, later, a “Murphy Brown” episode.)

In issuing the stay Brennan said it was likely that at least four of his “brethren” would do likewise. Because the Court never weighed in on this issue in a plenary appeal, this statement is significant.

[Bob from Ohio]

It was only Brennan, not the whole court?

Even lamer.

[apedad]

Jeez Bob, here read the thing and let us know why it's lame.

Additionally, it only needed one Justice's ruling because it was an application for a stay of enforcement - not a full SC case.

https://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-supreme-court/448/1312.html

We'll understand if you too busy out burning crosses though.

[Bob from Ohio]

"not a full SC case."

Duh.

That's the point.

[Dan Schiavetta]

I didn’t know Ex Parte Merryman was so unimportant. Doesn’t justify the extensive commentary on it over the years.

[DaivdBehar]

Ivy indoctrinated weasel. Hat inhand, groveling traitor. Poster boy for DC degenerate culture. Disgusting human being.

[Queen Amalthea]

"Disgusting human being."

I know you are, but what is he?

[Sarcastr0]

His writing style may be my least favorite of any modern Justice.

[LawTalkingGuy]

Including Souter?

[Robert Efroymson]

Just reviewed the Wikipedia article on Justice Kennedy. I’d forgotten he was Reagan’s third choice after Bork got Borked. Imagine how different the court would have been! A lot of 5-4s going the other direction, at the very least.

[Enrique]

one of worst justices ever