short reads | Feb 26, 2016

Long Supreme Court vacancies used to be more common

If Senate Republicans stick with their declared intention to not consider anyone President Obama might nominate to replace Antonin Scalia, his seat on the Supreme Court likely would remain vacant for a year or more. That would be the longest vacancy on the court for nearly five decades, but by no means the longest ever in U.S. history. In fact, for much of the 19th century it was not uncommon for Supreme Court seats to be unoccupied for months – or, in a few cases, years – at a time.

report | Feb 22, 2016

Majority of Public Wants Senate to Act on Obama’s Court Nominee

Survey Report In the high-stakes battle over replacing Justice Antonin Scalia on the Supreme Court, a majority of Americans (56%) say the Senate should hold hearings and vote on President Obama’s choice to fill the vacancy. About four-in-ten (38%) say the Senate should not hold hearings until the next president selects a court nominee. Most […]

report | Apr 20, 2015

Views of Supreme Court Little Changed as Major Rulings Loom

As the Supreme Court’s decisions on subjects as same-sex marriage, the death penalty and the Affordable Care Act loom, half of Americans have a favorable opinion of the court, while 39% say they have an unfavorable view.

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