October 9, 2006

Adult Supervision for the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals

By Henry P. Wickham, Jr.
On this year's Supreme Court docket, waiting for a disposition to be revealed, perhaps soon, is a case in which the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, the most—reversed of the federal appeals courts, is once again in effect on trial. Imagine a classroom full of unruly teenagers who take pleasure in breaking the rules.  This image fairly describes the circumstances when a large segment of the Federal Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals convenes to hear and decide cases.  Amidst this legal anarchy, Judge Stephen Reinhardt assumes the role of the Lord of Misrule, and the consequences cry out for strict adult supervision.   The United States Supreme Court has just agreed to review the notorious Ninth Circuit decision rendered in late 2005, Musladin v. Lamarque.  This decision was authored by Judge Reinhardt.  Judge Reinhardt is a 1980 Jimmy Carter appointee, further illustrating that the plain man from Plains, Georgia is a gift to this country that just...(Read Full Article)