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New Supreme Court Nominee |
by Mya Kagan (whyzz writer) >> more about the author
The highest court in the United States is the Supreme Court. After the Supreme Court has made a ruling, there is no other court to which the issue can be taken – the Supreme Court’s ruling is final.
Since 1869, the U.S. Supreme Court has been made up of nine Justices (which is like another word for “judges”). Once a Justice is appointed to the Supreme Court, that person serves on the Supreme Court for as long as he or she would like until announcing retirement.
When a Supreme Court Justice retires and an open seat becomes available, the new Justice is nominated by the President and then confirmed by vote in the United States Senate. – Because the Supreme Court has the ability to make such definitive and influential rulings, a president’s opportunity to name a new nominee is considered a big opportunity that can have great impact for the United States, even after that President has left office.
An Open Seat
In May of 2009, Supreme Court Justice David Souter announced his plan to retire, which meant that President Obama would have his first opportunity to nominate a new Supreme Court Justice!
On May 26th, President Obama introduced his choice: Judge Sonia Sotomayor.
If she is appointed as a Supreme Court Justice, Ms. Sotomayor will be a historic nomination – not only would she be only the third woman to ever serve as a Supreme Court Justice, but she would also be the first ever Hispanic Supreme Court Justice!
Now, the U.S. Senate will review Ms. Sotomayor’s experience and qualities as a judge and will then place their vote!