Only 44 percent of Americans approve of the Supreme Court

[tombogan03884]

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/only-44-percent-americans-approve-supreme-court-143823818.html

The American public's opinion of the Supreme Court has taken a dramatic turn for the worse over the past 25 years, according to a recent New York Times/CBS poll. Only 44 percent of Americans approve of the court's performance, compared to more than 60 percent of Americans in the late 1980s. Meanwhile, 75 percent of the poll's respondents say the judges' personal politics influence their legal decisions and 60 percent say the justices should not be appointed for life.

Over the past quarter century, Americans' esteem of public institutions in general has fallen, but the Supreme Court has especially lost favor. No one knows for sure what is driving the growing suspicion, but a recent spate of 5-4 decisions--where the liberal and conservative wings of the court split without compromise--may give the impression that the justices are influenced by their politics instead of solely the constitution. The 2010 Citizens United decision, which struck down campaign finance law that limited election spending, was also unpopular with the American public. President Obama went so far as to rebuke the justices to their faces during his State of the Union speech over the decision. Some of the conservative judges then boycotted his next speech, prompting criticism that they were trying to "pay back" the president for his scolding.

This month, the judges will hand down decisions in two politically-charged cases: President Obama's signature health care reform law, and Arizona's state law cracking down on illegal immigrants, which the Obama administration sought to block. Nearly 70 percent of Americans want the Supreme Court to strike down some or all of the health care law, according to the NYT/CBS poll.

[Timothy]

How 'bout a third option..."It's the New Jerk Times, who gives a crap?"

I certainly would prefer 9 justices appointed by a conservative than a liberal any day!  As to the question, I check YES to both because the left and right have polar differences as to what the Constitution actually says!  They have no choice but to bring both their knowledge and political views into the argument!

[dipisc]

Hi;

     The problem ( I Believe ) is with the Congress. They are "entrusted" to put the "right" people on the Supreme Court. After viewing some of the last appointees on TV, it is more of show time in Congress than hard questions and checking facts on past doings of the candidate.

     A "vetting" process should include more "opinions" of the Candidate on the Constitution and Bill of Rights. I remember 1 question that was asked about something about what she was doing on Christmas Day and the answer was "having Chinese dinner like every other good Jewish Girls". Ask stupid and you get stupid.