Political Quotes

William F. Smith: “The Supreme Court's recent use of foreign law as a precedent in several cases is disturbing. This judicial activism…”

On the recordMarch 25, 2004
The Supreme Court's recent use of foreign law as a precedent in several cases is disturbing. This judicial activism threatens our Nation's sovereignty. For example, in a capital punishment case, a justice cited the Supreme Court of Zimbabwe as precedent. Zimbabwe is led by a brutal dictator, Robert Mugabe. According to a State Department official, ``He has succeeded in reducing a once-promising nation with a bright future to a state of ruin, desolation, and isolation.'' I hope the Supreme Court in the future will not seek guidance from the Supreme Court of Zimbabwe anytime again. Our judges should enforce American laws and the United States Constitution, not the laws and legal precedents of other countries.
Said by
William F. Smith
Texas
Source
govinfo.gov

Editor's note · Context

Addressing concerns about the Supreme Court's use of foreign law in judicial decisions.

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