[mike777]

With a Democratic Party in charge of the Senate, why not Bill Clinton for Chief Justice of the Supreme Court? There will be an opening soon. I assume Mrs. Clinton can appoint him and even put him up as the new Chief?

[hrothgar]

It doesn't work like that

Robert's is Chief Justice until he steps down or doesn't demonstrate "good behavior".

[helene_t]

Is BC a judge? I thought he was a politician.

[hrothgar]

helene_t, on Dec 28 2007, 02:19 AM, said:

Is BC a judge? I thought he was a politician.

There have been a number of individuals appointed to the Supreme Court who didn't serve in the Judiciary.

Many Supreme Court Justices served as litigators without ever being a judge. For example, Earl Warren served as an Attorney General, but I don't think he was ever a judge. Potter Steward was appointed to the Supreme Court at age 39 after working as a lawyer.

[jtfanclub]

helene_t, on Dec 27 2007, 06:19 PM, said:

Is BC a judge? I thought he was a politician.

Don't have to be a judge- lots of Supreme Court justices never were. I suppose you don't have to even have been admitted to the bar, though that would be a first.

[PassedOut]

hrothgar, on Dec 27 2007, 06:32 PM, said:

helene_t, on Dec 28 2007, 02:19 AM, said:

Is BC a judge? I thought he was a politician.

There have been a number of individuals appointed to the Supreme Court who didn't serve in the Judiciary.

Many Supreme Court Justices served as litigators without ever being a judge. For example, Earl Warren served as an Attorney General, but I don't think he was ever a judge. Potter Steward was appointed to the Supreme Court at age 39 after working as a lawyer.

William Howard Taft was President of the US, leaving that office 8 years before he became Chief Justice of the Supreme Court in 1921. However, Roberts is quite a young Chief Justice now, so I don't see him stepping down.

[mike777]

Well, if the President cannot force Roberts to give up the title of Chief Justice she can still put Clinton on the court if someone retires.

Anyone can be put on the court. You do not have to pass the bar or even high school.

From what little I have read it seems this title is very vague, who gets it and who gets to keep it. Roberts gets to stay Justice for life but I am not sure if or how the title, which is undefined, gets passed legally. I am sure the senate gets to vote on the issue but I am unclear what the process is to take away the title from a sitting justice while the justice remains on the court.

[blackshoe]

From wikipedia: "The office is often but incorrectly referred to as "Chief Justice of the Supreme Court." Title 28, United States Code, Sec. 1 specifies the title as "Chief Justice of the United States," and thus, not just of the Court itself."

I would imagine 28USC1 and subsequent articles might shed more light on the question.

Roberts will be Chief Justice until he dies, retires, or is impeached by the House and convicted by the Senate.

The President nominates. The Senate must confirm the nomination. That applies to both the Chief Justice and to Associate Justices.

[kfay]

No way a Supreme Court appointment could or would happen.

Not only do I think there would be resistance to the appointment due to the fact that Bill is the would-be-President's husband (never mind his credentials) he's certainly of much greater use elsewhere. He has foundations which he runs as well as international relation responsibilities that he would certainly be more active and effective in than any first family member before him.

You don't put superstars on the bench.

[mike777]

Run a lousy foundation.

Heck I think he could run the country from the bench.

[blackshoe]

mike777, on Dec 28 2007, 02:53 PM, said:

Heck I think he could run the country from the bench.

So, no doubt, does he.

[Al_U_Card]

Don't give away Mr. Cheney's plum just yet.....