AFJ calls for swift filling of vacancies on nation's second most important court

To contact us Click HERE

The creation of yet another vacancy – the fourth – on what is widely-known as the nation’s second most important court is a stark reminder of the urgent need to fill vacancies on that court.

Judge David Sentelle

With Judge David Sentelle taking seniorstatus today, the D.C. Circuit now has more vacancies than any other circuitcourt of appeals.  One of these seats has been vacant for more than sevenyears, another for more than four years.  But the Senate has yet toconfirm President Obama’s two nominees.
In contrast, President George W. Bushnamed four judges to the D.C. Circuit, President Bill Clinton named three,President George H.W. Bush also named three and President Ronald Reagan namedeight. 
“Only the U.S. Supreme Court itself hasmore of an impact on the lives of everyday Americans than the D.C. Circuit,”said AFJ President Nan Aron. 
Because this court is so important ithas become a farm team for future Supreme Court justices. Four of the ninecurrent justices - Roberts, Ginsburg, Scalia and Thomas – served on the D.C.Circuit.
“Most D.C. Circuit cases will never bereviewed by the Supreme Court,” Aron said.  “The D.C. Circuit often standsas the final arbiter of President Obama’s legislative legacy and decades ofpolicy achievements long supported by  the American people.  We callupon the Senate to quickly confirm the pending nominees for this court, and weurge President Obama to nominate strong judges who understand the role ofgovernment in protecting everyday Americans.”