Photo by: Hickydoo on flickr.com
Yesterday the United States Supreme Court heard arguments for Fisher V. University of Texas, a case in which the decision will either render Affirmative Action constitutional or not, possibly altering the college admissions process completely. This exemplifies the substantial role Supreme Court Justices play in American society; and with three members of the Court in their late seventies or eighties and retirement on the horizon, the implications of this presidential race on case law is immense.
Whoever wins the 2012 presidential election will likely be able to appoint at least one person to the Supreme Court; which is currently split between four Justices that lean liberal, four that lean conservative and one swing vote. The next appointee may very well swing the balance of the Court, which will have major consequences regarding jurisprudence in the United States.
The U.S. Supreme Court determines whether government action is constitutional, making it an immensely powerful institution with in the American government. The next court may face issues regarding anything from immigration to the right to privacy. Whoever the winning Presidential Candidate is, may be the difference between the overturning of decisions like that of Roe V. Wade, deeming abortion constitutional, and not.
Though the Supreme Court appointments are not often a factor many people contemplate when deciding whom to vote for come November, the implications are great. The person that assumes office in January 2013 will likely be able to determine the direction of the Court for many years to come.
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