- Joined
- Jan 24, 2013
- Messages
- 20,738
- Reaction score
- 6,290
- Location
- Sunnyvale California
- Gender
- Male
- Political Leaning
- Liberal
This is going to be a headache.
Supreme Court splits 4-4, again, in state sovereignty fight - POLITICO
Just how long will the Supreme Court vacancy go unfilled?
The shorthanded Supreme Court divided 4-4 again Tuesday on one of two key questions in a case involving the authority of states to impose penalties on other states.
Ruling in a case over a tax dispute involving a man who moved from California to Nevada, the justices said they could not muster a majority to resolve whether to overrule a 1979 Supreme Court precedent that permits state courts in one state to assert jurisdiction over state agencies in another.
As a result, that precedent, Nevada v. Hall, will remain on the books.
Such 4-4 divisions are being closely watched in the wake of Justice Antonin Scalia's unexpected death in February and the ensuing standoff between President Barack Obama and Senate Republicans over whether to replace him now or after a new president takes office. So far, there are no signs leaders in the GOP-led Senate will grant a hearing or vote on Obama's nominee, D.C. Circuit Judge Merrick Garland.
The White House and Democrats have argued that the high court's tie votes deprive the legal system of clear guidance and underscore the need for a ninth justice now. Republicans say the court often works shorthanded due to recusals and a few 4-4 results this year won't have a dramatic impact.
Supreme Court splits 4-4, again, in state sovereignty fight - POLITICO
Just how long will the Supreme Court vacancy go unfilled?