By Sophia Rijo
Staff Writer
On Nov. 26th, Chief Justice John Roberts decided to speak back to President Donald Trump on a decision of a court ruling. A federal judge temporarily blocked Trump’s order to prevent illegal immigrants crossing the border asylum.
This brought about a discussion of Supreme Court Justices and political ties, along with talks about expanding the court. There have been talks about limiting the terms of a Supreme Court Justice, but limiting any term requires a constitutional amendment, which could take years to pass.This is the second time in history where the topic of raising the number of judges in the Supreme Court is mentioned.
The first was when Franklin D. Roosevelt was president. He was trying to pass certain economic programs from the New Deal, but the court at that time rejected some of them. Roosevelt countered back with stating that he was going to expand the current nine judges to fifteen.
Now, some people might think that it shouldn’t be right nor fair to increase the number of Supreme Court Justices, but nowhere in the constitution does it state that there is a number limit. In 1789, there were six, in 1807 it increased to seven, in 1837 there was nine and since then the number has stayed the same. This topic is quite controversial, it’s understandable why most people would agree with the plan, and why others would not.
If the Democrats, who now hold the majority in the House decide to extend the number of justices in the court then it would show to others that the justices are being politicized.
The Supreme Court Justices are to make their decisions separate from the party that they stand for. If Democrats do act then people will begin to lose faith in the court and faith in the system will stoop to a new low.
Even though Republicans have played dirty by withholding viable candidates for formerly opened positions in the Supreme Court during Obama’s presidency, the Democrats must not follow their lead. Let the justices handle their situations and if they end up ruling against Obamacare or against abortion then the people will respond to it.
The people will end up losing hope and when it is seen how much they are suffering then perhaps that is the right time for Democrats to introduce adding more seats to the court. That is if they are still holding the majority when the time comes.
At the moment it’s no secret that the United States isn’t so united anymore. If Democrats act out on this, some people will feel threatened and who knows what their response could be? They may act out in protest, but will those protests stay civil or will they turn violent? People have already separated themselves into two groups. One, the sane or morally correct (Democrats), two the insane and lying (Republicans); both could be seen as vice-versa.
Ultimately, neither party is putting up a good front, and who’s to say which one is actually looking out for the betterment of the people. Chief Justice Roberts is facing a bit of backlash, with many questioning his position.
While this administration is highly questionable, the Supreme Court should always stay neutral as to not jeopardize its ideals of not being politically motivated.
Democrats should stay fierce in their beliefs, while showing the American people that they are patient and logical.
As for republicans, those who feel that the current party doesn’t reflect their agendas should speak out and separate themselves from the radicals. It is not a sign of weakness, but a sign that shows that they are not afraid to speak up and denounce the current actions of the administration.
Discussions to increase the amount of Supreme Court Justices does not solve the divide of the country and that should be a first priority for each branch in power.
