how we came to this point and where we may be heading.... an afternoon series complete with coffee plus!
“THE ARISTOCRACY OF THE ROBE”–
THE SUPREME COURT AND OTHER JUDGES FOR LIFE
with Dr. Michael Libresco-D’Innocenzo, Professor of History, Hofstra Univ.
Date: Tuesday, November 18
Time: 2:00 P.M.
Alexis de Toqueville, in his famous book DEMOCRACY IN AMERICA, argued that it was questionable to give so much power to officials who were not elected and accountable to the public because they served for life. In addition to the nine justices on the Supreme Court, there are some 850 Federal judges who also serve for life. How has the Judiciary evolved over time, and how has the appointment process changed in recent years? Why have there currently been so many 5-4 decisions, and how do these decisions affect our lives? Furthermore, to what degree are members of the Judiciary protectors of the Constitution and the separation of powers, and why did de Toqueville refer to these judges as “the aristocracy of the robe?” Vital questions for all citizens to consider.