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Roe v. Wade
Will Roe v. Wade be overturned? This is
key to Roberts’ tenure on
bench. Personally, his conservative leanings would suggest Roe is dead in
water, but not so fast. Roberts also has a strong belief in upholding landmark cases that have set precedent for an area of law. Obviously, Roe is such a case. Nobody can predict what he will do, but we can predict that
choice will shape his future on
bench.
If Roberts votes to overturn Roe, we will see a complete re-writing of all
landmark cases. By voting to overturn, Roberts will position himself solidly with
conservative Justices on
court. Everything will be open game and
legal landscape will change dramatically.
If Roberts votes to uphold Roe, you can expect
conservative Justices to remain
minority for
foreseeable future. This prediction has everything to do with Justice Scalia.
Although championed by conservative groups, those in legal circles know that no single person has been a bigger obstacle for
conservative movement on
bench. The problem, quite simply, is Scalia is a jerk. He has a very bad habit of personally attacking other Justices in written opinions when they don’t agree with him. Justices O’Connor, Kennedy and Sauter were all supposed to be conservatives, but became moderates on
bench. The generally agreed cause is
personal attacks Scalia let fly in his dissents. Kennedy, in particular, is known to bristle at
mention of Scalia. Though they issue denials, it is well known that many Justices are not on speaking terms with Scalia. If you would like to learn more on
division, pick up a copy of “A Court Divided: The Rehnquist Court and
Future of Constitutional Law.”
If Scalia personally attacks Roberts in written opinions, human nature suggests Roberts will move towards
middle. Scalia will do just such a thing should Roberts vote to uphold Roe. In short, it all comes down to Roberts’ decision on Roe v. Wade.
One way or another,
Supreme Court is about to come front and center in
public eye. Within
next five years, we should see at least two more Justices, Rehnquist and Stevens, leave
bench. Once they retire,
court should remain stable for at least ten years. If only we knew how they would rule!

Richard Chapo is with SanDiegoBusinessLawFirm.com - Go to our article section to read more business law articles.