I can see from the “Say It Here…” thread that I’m not the only one in the CC community with a SCOTUS Blog obsession. I was a political science major undergrad and have an attorney S, so discussion of the Court at this time of year is a regular topic at the dinner table. Without crossing any boundaries into the political spectrum, can we just take a moment to reflect on Amy, Lyle, & Co.?
I enjoy the liveblog so much that I worry about what the Plan B is for SCOTUS Blog should anything unfortunate befall the 84 year old Lyle. Those who share my obsession know of the fly in the ointment with credentialing the blog and that Lyle’s independent credential is what keeps him in the SCOTUS press room.
Amy is perfect, IMO, in keeping the blog going with competence and wit. The other nerds know what I mean as the newbie questions that come in can be repetitive and sometimes a little naive. My favorite exchange from today: " I have $20 that Scalia is the author of the opinion granting same sex marriage rights to all Americans. Am I going to lose my lunch money?" Amy’s response: “I hope you brought a snack.”
I am a fairly recent convert to SCOTUS Blog, but I love it - and I was a chemistry and English major in undergrad who never once considered law school. I love the banter and the wit in SCOTUS Blog, but I didn’t realize that Lyle is 84! Ack! I hope I didn’t wait too long to jump on the bandwagon.
Anxiously awaiting the Obergefell decision (tomorrow?) And oh, I follow “The Notorius RBG” page on Facebook, too.
I also follow Notorious RBG, but on Tumblr. Can’t wait to see how she will be portrayed by Natalie Portman as a young ACLU attorney for gender equality.
Obergefell has been at the front of the line to get into the Courtroom for the last few weeks, but I don’t think his decision will come down until Monday. The Court would officially deny that they hold the hot potato decisions until the very end, but it’s what they’ve done in all the recent years. They say that opinions are released when they are ready, but I suspect Kennedy is writing this and it won’t be “ready” with final touches until Monday:)
This is why I read CC looong after my kids are finished with college. Because I learn things! Off I go to discover the SCOTUS Blog, the existence of which I didn’t know till a moment ago. Thanks guys!
You are my people. I love the idea of #waitingforLyle as a band name.
I’ve only been following SCOTUSblog for a few years. I had no idea that he was 84! Go, Lyle, go! I didn’t realize until today (or I forgot) that it wasn’t credentialed. Part of me kind of like it that way, but is there a story behind why they won’t credential it? And how is it Lyle is credentialed?
I am not a lawyer, never yearned to be, but I am a recovering journalist and love all things political (and this counts). My kids are/were poli sci majors so we had lots of substantive law discussions around the dinner table.
^^ it’s especially great when one is waiting for rulings to come down (like the ACA-related ruling today and the gay marriage ruling to come). The decisions appear WAY faster than you’ll see on the traditional news outlets - and then there’s all the witty repartee.
Another SCOTUSblog fan. I learn so much from them, and I love that some people post advanced, nuanced question, while others are obviously newbs who post simple process questions. The bloggers treat all of them with the same respect and humor.
There were a fair number of questions this morning on a topic I’ve often wondered about: Do opinions ever leak in advance. Amy said not in modern history because the clerks would receive a career-ending reprimand. But what about all the typists and print people who are involved in producing the physical opinions? I’m just amazed no one gets a glimmer in advance.
Another SCOTUSblog nerd here - I discovered it last year and it has fascinated me ever since. Everyone who contributes to the blog is so knowledgeable and everything so well written. I’ve truly learned a lot. Nice to know there are others here who feel the same. And I’m a definite Lyle fan…will be sitting in front of the computer at 6:30am west coast time, tomorrow andd Monday, coffee in hand, enjoying the banter while awaiting decisions.
I will freely admit to staring at the statistics page trying to figure out the remaining opinions, who is writing them and when they will be released. Here’s my take:
Friday
Johnson - Justice Ginsburg for the majority and I think it could be fairly one sided perhaps 8-1 in favor of striking down the residual clause of the ACCA.
AZ Legis - I know SCOTUSblog thinks Justice Ginsburg is writing this one but I am betting on Justice Kennedy only because he a little behind on the decision count and Justice Ginsburg had two majority opinions in February. IMO, the court will vote to side with the AZ Legislature, in other words, no more independent redistricting commission.
Utility Air (EPA) - Justice Scalia writing for the majority. I think this one could go either way.
Monday
Glossip - Justice Alito writes for the majority, 5-4 decision that will allow for the use of midazolam in executions.
Obergefell - Justice Kennedy writes for the majority, 6-3 decision in favor of same sex marriage. I say 6-3 as I really think Chief Justice Roberts does not want to come down on the wrong side of history on this one.
Me, too, scout. Part of me is afraid that the Obamacare decision was to blunt the pain of SSM. I mean, I don’t REALLY think that, but I’m a born worrier …
Oh, and about the lack of leaks. I know that some people see SCOTUS as practicing judicial activism, but I think there it’s still a small enough entity steeped in tradition that no one wants to ruin that, hence the self-imposed restraint.
@SyrAlum, I think your prediction is reasonable. I would be gobsmacked if Kennedy doesn’t write this with Breyer, Ginsburg, Kagan, & Sotomayor signing on.
@Youdon’tsay, Lyle Denniston is considered the Dean of the SCOTUS Press Corp and has his credentials based on his reporting for WBUR in Boston. The Senate refused to credential SCOTUS Blog because Tom Goldstein (husband of Amy Howe) is a frequent SCOTUS advocate and they point to conflict of interest between his advocacy and his ownership of the Blog. Here’s a link to an old post which explains it : http://www.scotusblog.com/2014/04/an-update-on-our-press-pass/. @BunsenBurner, RBG is attending the opera premiere, per this article: http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-court-odd-couple-20150622-story.html#page=1
I’ll be there! In the meantime, I’ve been reviewing my Twitter feed and reading all the funny responses from SCOTUS Blog to the folks who think they are blasting the real Court when they use @SCOTUSBlog in their tweets. There have been some cute ones the last two nights.
Even if we don’t get SSM decision today, I suspect we will get to hear from RBG, so it will be a good day.
I think the “new” Fisher case was submitted earlier this year to see if they would be granted cert and it remains on the list of cases to be considered. Orders for cases to be argued early next term will continue to be issued through Monday, so there could be a decision with regard to cert still to come. If I’m wrong about this, someone please correct me.
