BIG CASES FOR SUPREME COURT TERM STARTING MONDAY

[xchrom]

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_SUPREME_COURT_TOP_CASES?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2012-09-29-08-23-56

The Supreme Court term that begins Monday holds the prospect for major rulings about affirmative action, gay marriage and voting rights.

A look at cases the court already has agreed to hear and other top cases in the pipeline:

RACIAL PREFERENCES - In Fisher v. University of Texas, to be argued Oct. 10, the court will weigh Texas' limited use of race to help fill out its incoming classes. The outcome could result in a major cutback in the use of racial preferences at the nation's colleges.

ACCOUNTABILITY FOR HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES - The justices will consider whether American courts may be used by foreign victims to sue over human rights violations abroad. The case of Kiobel v. Royal Dutch Petroleum, to be argued on Monday, concerns claims that the oil giant Shell was complicit in atrocities committed by the Nigerian government against its citizens in the oil-rich Niger delta.

[msanthrope]

1. No better reminder why the person choosing SCOTUS for the next 4 years should be Obama. nt

[bluestate10]

2. Surely, given the number of openings that could happen during the next four years.

Half the current Court, maybe more may have to be replaced. I have zero faith in Romney making those appointments in a manner that is consistent with our heritage as a nation of many.

[msanthrope]

3. Bingo. nt

[davidn3600]

5. The 4 conservatives wont leave with Obama in office

Ginsberg will likely retire. Maybe Breyer too.
Kennedy may or may not. I have a feeling he's going to stick it out.

Scalia and Thomas would rather die on the bench than let Obama replace them.

Roberts is only 57 years old. We will be dealing with him for probably another 25 years. And Alito is only 62.

So I dont see any major shift unless we win 2016 too.

[RKP5637]

4. My very first thought too!!! If, Romney were in, the nation would be screwed for decades, it

would be another Reagan period, but far worse. Bush, would look like a liberal champion and hero.