[Gorjus]

You do not have to be a lawyer to sit on the supreme court.

Exactly! The most important words in the Constitution are, "We, the People.. You shouldn't have to be a specialist in law to understand the People's contract with ourselves.

If I could make any changes I wanted in the Constitution, I'd require that the Chief Justice be a lawyer who had practiced law as both attorney and judge, but I'd also make it so that not more than one more Justice could even have a law degree. Their decisions should be based on what "We, the People.." would decide, not a specialized and non-representative, self-styled 'elite.'

Of course, that's not the first thing I'd change. (*smile*)

[longtermmemmory]

actually I was refering to the fact that Bill Clinton could become a SC Justice.

Additionally, a constitution is superior to a contract. There is a difference. We the People did not for a contract, we the people establish a constitution. It memorialized the institution of our society.

I do not believe being a "judge" matters as much as having worked in the real world. I would not put a lawyer requirement or limitation. I have seen the stupidity espoused by do-it-yourselfers in courtrooms. (Believe me when I say, repeating "I don't understand" based on some wacko pamphlet's instructions will not succeed.)

A law degree, and passing the Bar does not may you a lawyer. Practicing law makes you a lawyer. Idealistic but true. Book knowledge vs real life.

Hilary Clinton practiced the law of political connections. That is the worst kind of law. (almost french in nature) It means the law is re-envisioned based on your need de jour. Need to silence enemies? Free speech does not include unpopular speech because it provokes people. Need to condem enemies? Free speed does include unpoplular speech because it provokes people.

For those type of people it is not about law or even good lawyering and giving a person their day in court. It is only about aquiring PERSONAL power and the future generations of children be damned. (BTW was hilary ever pregnant or is their daughter adopted?)

[You Dirty Rats]

The Supreme Court is not there to decide what "We, the People" want -- that is the function of the Executive and Legislative branches of government.

The Supreme Court is there to interpret the law. Your proposal makes about as much sense as requiring that only one radiologist in a hospital can interpret x-rays -- the rest have to be lay people.

Perhaps you think members of the Federal Reserve Board don't need to be financial experts, either?

It's delusional to think that there aren't jobs out there that require specialized training.

[proud American in Canada]

"but I'd also make it so that not more than one more Justice could even have a law degree"

very interesting idea! I'm not sure I'd go that far--but it would be a great idea to have some common sense on the SCOTUS. :)