Posted on 04/20/2005 1:36:40 AM PDT by Cincinatus' Wife
WASHINGTON - House Majority Leader Tom DeLay ratcheted up his criticism of judges and singled out U.S. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy on Tuesday, faulting him for using the Internet to conduct research and for writing court decisions "based on international law."
DeLay, R-Sugar Land, who was critical of federal judges who refused to order the reinsertion of Terri Schiavo's feeding tube before her death, also noted his disappointment that Republican-appointed judges are "judicial activists."
DeLay and other conservatives were angered last month when the U.S. Supreme Court, in a 5-4 ruling, found the Constitution forbids executing convicts who committed crimes before turning 18. The court majority opinion noted that the views of international courts had been taken into account.
Won't step down as leader
"We've got Justice Kennedy writing decisions based upon international law, not the Constitution of the United States? That's just outrageous. And not only that, but he said in session that he does his own research on the Internet? That is just incredibly outrageous," DeLay said during an interview on Fox News Radio's The Tony Snow Show.
The interview was part of DeLay's public relations campaign with Republican-friendly news organizations to rebut criticism about his ethical behavior that has escalated in recent weeks.
Asked how the controversy has affected him personally, DeLay answered with a laugh: "Well, it certainly has gotten me closer to God."
DeLay said he would not step down from his leadership post unless he is indicted by a grand jury investigating one of his political action committees. House GOP rules require leaders to step aside following indictment.
DeLay has been the most critical congressional leader regarding judicial behavior.
Following Schiavo's death earlier this month the Florida woman was in a vegetative state when judges declined to stop removal of her feeding tube DeLay warned: "The time will come for the men responsible for this to answer for their behavior."
That and other comments by DeLay caused some Republicans who agree with his criticism of judicial activism, such as Vice President Dick Cheney and Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., to distance themselves from his remarks.
Last week, DeLay apologized for his "inartful" rhetoric but did not back away from his vow to have Congress review recent court decisions.
Defining 'good behavior'
On the radio program, DeLay offered more detail on what he is seeking.
He wants the House Judiciary Committee to probe the constitutional provision that says 'judges can serve as long as they serve with good behavior,' " he said. "We want to define what 'good behavior' means. And that's where you have to start."
DeLay said he opposes judges "that don't follow the Constitution and write their own laws. And of course, the leftists hate it when we attack the left's last legislative body."
Democrats have said Republicans such as DeLay are going after the judiciary, even threatening impeachment, because they disagree with their decisions.
During a routine House Appropriations Committee hearing last week to consider the Supreme Court's budget, Kennedy answered Republicans' criticism against judges by calling it "very healthy." He added that democratic dialogue makes democracy work.
No wonder the libs are after him: He Fights and he fights good.
The party should not only support him, we should rally behind him and fight the fight with him.
I wonder which website he read that on./s
DeLay is a lightning rod. If the left wasn't attacking him, they'd be attacking Bush.
Democratic dialogue makes democracy work, unless the dialogue is contrary to Teddy's views, then you must be censored.
The Internet isn't the "US constitution." Judges are supposed to uphold the "US constitution", not follow international law, or google for consensus. It's sad that the simplicity of their duty escapes you.
Think about it. Our supreme jurists seek inspiration from alien law and traditions rather than from the fifty republican states right here.
By the way, the Constitution specifies that all legislative power resides in Congress. Legislating from the bench is therefore an abuse of power.
Have I mentioned how much I despise the liberal, dishonest, one-sided, biased, Democrat-friendly, unobjective, Clinton-butt-kissing media?
DeLay's comment about the internet is moronic. Perhaps he should look into the usage of Lexis/Nexis and Westlaw. A huge percentage of legal research done today is done online.
There was a conservative Pope before, and DeLay is an answer to their fundraising prayers. The worst thing that could happen to the Democrats is having DeLay step down or be convicted of something.
I don't know about you but I would feel very uncomfortable in a court of law where a decision was rendered, not based on case law but, based on Google or Yahoo ;-)
Nice!
I love this.
Bump!
It may be that Kennedy's fishing for something to give his decisions butt cover.
"The Internet isn't the "US constitution." Judges are supposed to uphold the "US constitution", not follow international law, or google for consensus. It's sad that the simplicity of their duty escapes you."
The internet can be used to research the "original intent" of the Constitution based on history and much faster than using hard copies....the Federalist papers for example.
It's sad you don't appreciate the power of the tool.;-)
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