While this presidential race is exciting, and all that, the real branch of government, the Supreme Court, begins it term today.
The New York Times argues that it will be a quiet year for the Kennedy, er, I mean Robert's Court. The Justices will hear cases on free speech (Federal Communications Commission v. Fox Television Stations), redistricting (Bartlett v. Strickland), and the ten commandments (Pleasant Grove City v. Summum).
Today's arguments concern the rights of individuals to being forth claims against cigarette companies that advertised "light" cigarettes as being "healthier."
The guiding principle for the Robert's Court has been to reduce standing and limit the people who can bring forth claims through the judiciary. The 2008 Presidential election may alter the way in which the Robert's Court can continue to do this.
During the next four years, there should be substantial shifts to the Supreme Court as Stevens and Ginsburg will most likely step down. Five other Justice may step down in the next 6 - 10 years as two Justices will have served for almost twenty years.
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