Political Quotes

On the recordJune 23, 2010
this raises the issue about deciding these cases where the workload is not very high, where there is a recess of some 3 months, extensive travels, and extensive lectures. Now they may do what they please, and they will, but there is a balance here. The question is: How do you get more cases decided? How do you deal with the question of having the Justices put into practice, once they are on the bench, what they are talking about in the confirmation hearings? That is hard to determine. The best way, in my view, and I have spoken about this in some length, is by publicizing their failures. I think when we take up their budget, for example, it is fair to consider how many clerks they need, given their workload. The number started at one, went to two and three, and is now at four. Is it fair to consider the recess period? In evaluating their budget, we have to be very careful not to intrude upon judicial independence, which is the hallmark of our Republic. But on the issue of publicizing what the Court does, I think it is fair game; preeminently reasonable. For decades now, I have been pressing to have the Supreme Court proceedings televised.
Said by
Arlen Specter
Democratic · Pennsylvania
Source
govinfo.gov
Jun 23, 2010

Editor's note · Context

Senator Specter discusses the need for transparency and accountability in the Supreme Court's operations.

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