Analysis of the Miers Nomination

Throughout history in American civilization, the judicial system has played a major role in making laws in response to a perceived evil. This system also settles controversial disputes between litigants with opposing viewpoints. The highest level of America’s judicial system is the United States Supreme Court. This court consists of a panel of nine judges who are equipped to analyze and make rulings on the most intricate cases, most of which involve federal laws. Their rulings often set precedent and affect the lives of American citizens across the country. For a court of this magnitude, it is imperative that it be ruled by nine of the most qualified and experienced judges in America.

The nomination of Harriet Miers calls into question whether or not the President is making decisions in the best interest of the country. It appears that President Bush is simply seeking to promote his friends from Texas. Miers has no previous experience serving on the bench. Even the simplest of jobs require individuals to have some sort of background in that particular field. This is necessary in order to demonstrate the type of work that person is capable of performing. It is understandable why a person with her credentials could be appointed to a judgeship. However, it is seemingly inexplicable for a person with her level of experience and expertise to be appointed to the highest judgeship in the nation.

By no means does her lack of experience mean that she will not make strong Supreme Court justice. However, little is known about her judicial philosophies, and this is simply a position in America’s judicial system that is too important to merely roll the dice and take a chance on an unknown and unproven candidate. CBS News’ Face the Nation reports that James Dobson has received “private assurances” from Karl Rove, which indicate that she would serve well on this court. Yet, Dobson claims that he cannot reveal the specific details of this information. This information needs to be brought forth and dispersed to the general public. Once again, it would not be wise to appoint someone with so many unanswered questions.
This is not to say that she should never become a Supreme Court justice, but the timing for this nomination is inappropriate. Due the level of complexity involved in deciding cases, which come before the United States Supreme Court, Miers first needs to go through the process of serving as a judge on a lower level, which may serve as the foundation for her to work her way up through the judicial branch of the United States government.

By Ryan W. Hirsch
Communication Law Student