Ginsburg Faults GOP Critics, Cites a Threat From 'Fringe'

washingtonpost.com ^ | March 17, 2006 | Washington Post Staff Writer

[tbird5]

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg assailed the court's congressional critics in a recent speech overseas, saying their efforts "fuel" an "irrational fringe" that threatened her life and that of a colleague, former justice Sandra Day O'Connor.

Addressing an audience at the Constitutional Court of South Africa on Feb. 7, the 73-year-old justice, known as one of the court's more liberal members, criticized various Republican-proposed House and Senate measures that either decry or would bar the citation of foreign law in the Supreme Court's constitutional rulings. Conservatives often see the citing of foreign laws in court rulings as an affront to American sovereignty, adding to a list of grievances they have against judges that include rulings supporting abortion rights or gay rights.

[martin_fierro]

[eeevil conservative]

She must be referring to the small print at the bottom of the Constitution that says "If any other countries are offended by any of the above contents, please disregard and let the Supremes make it up as they go."

this woman is a nut...

[cpdiii]

Conservatives often see the citing of foreign laws in court rulings as an affront to American sovereignty.

Which word does Ruth Bader Ginsberg not understand, is it foreign or laws?

[DB]

How does interpreting/applying the US Constitution use or even involve a foreign country's law???

Another Clinton gift that keeps on giving...

[Hank Rearden]

This ugly old troll needs to go back to her nap under the bridge.

[Mad_Tom_Rackham]

I notice, like all Marxists, this lunatic chooses a European audience for her traitorous America-bashing. I, for one, look forward to urinating on her grave.

[jeffs47]

That's really not very nice. WWJD?!?!!?!?

[umgud]

She obviously hasn't been lurking over at DU where the real fringe is.

[labette]

Only the good die young.

[Jewels1091]

I'm thinking there might be a couple more court justices retire during Bush's 2 1/2 years left....wouldn't that frost the jackasses!!!!!!

[khnyny]

I'm glad to see this ridiculous article posted. It's really quite outrageous. I wonder if Ginsburg would make the same comments on American soil, but regardless, the fact that it was said offshore, actually makes the offense far worse. What a traitor/loon.

[BerniesFriend]

Going out on a limb here..but using foreign laws as a guideline is such a bad idea..I bet you could find some countries where rape and murder is perfectly fine..my two cents..

[Vn_survivor_67-68]

some countries where rape and murder is perfectly fine

easy.....islamic sharia countries

[ThreePuttinDude]

Rather interesting how they think foreign law should be
cited in America. Why not US law cited in foreign law cases?

[khnyny]

One can only hope and pray. The bet is on Steven's - he's ancient (b. 1920)! :)

[ILS21R]

Hey Ruth, how about this one?

Venezuela’s new law allows the National Assembly to remove justices from the Supreme Court with a simple majority vote if they merely “undermine” the “majesty or prestige of the Supreme Court” or the “functioning” of the judiciary.

[feedback doctor]

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg assailed the court's congressional critics

Translation: I am above criticism. How dare Congress try to make laws.

[CharlesWayneCT]

I strongly oppose that opinion, and do not wish for ANYBODY's life to end. I will be happy when she resigns from the bench.