halle1@houxz.UUCP (J.HALLE) (07/24/84)
Although I cannot recall when all of them were appointed, two examples should suffice to show that the president has less control than supposed. Justice Stevens was appointed by Ford. Ford expected him to be relatively conservative to middle of the road. As it turns out, Stevens has usually sided with the minority liberal side (Powell et al.). Chief Justice Warren was appointed by Eisenhower. Eisenhower wanted someone who would be as conservative as he (Ike) was. We all know how that turned out. I'm sure there are also examples the other way. The point is that although the president has influence on the direction the Court could take, his influence is not large enough to make an issue out of it.
tackett@wivax.UUCP (Raymond Tackett) (07/26/84)
Warren Burger was appointed Chief Justice by President Nixon after
Earl Warren died. Burger is the current Chief Justice.
For some pretty good info about the personalities on the Court,
read The Brethren by Woodward and Bernstein. It has been out in
paperback for several years, so Justice O'Connor is not there.
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