Gonzales: International law of no use to high court
O'Connor, Kennedy, Breyer, & Ginsberg have all cited international law as a reasoning for some of their opinions in cases that went before the court.
WINSTON-SALEM JOURNAL WIRE REPORT
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
WASHINGTON - Attorney General Alberto Gonzales yesterday joined critics of the use of international law in Supreme Court opinions, calling it anti-democratic and unworkable.
"Foreign judges and legislators are not accountable to the American people. If our courts rely on a foreign judge's opinion or a foreign legislature's enactment, then that foreign judge or legislature binds us on key constitutional issues," Gonzales said in a speech at George Mason University Law School in Arlington, Va.
There has been a growing divide on the high court over references to foreign laws to support decisions that interpret the Constitution. Earlier this year, justices ruled 5-4 to outlaw the death penalty for juvenile killers, in part because international sentiment is against it.
WINSTON-SALEM JOURNAL WIRE REPORT
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
WASHINGTON - Attorney General Alberto Gonzales yesterday joined critics of the use of international law in Supreme Court opinions, calling it anti-democratic and unworkable.
"Foreign judges and legislators are not accountable to the American people. If our courts rely on a foreign judge's opinion or a foreign legislature's enactment, then that foreign judge or legislature binds us on key constitutional issues," Gonzales said in a speech at George Mason University Law School in Arlington, Va.
There has been a growing divide on the high court over references to foreign laws to support decisions that interpret the Constitution. Earlier this year, justices ruled 5-4 to outlaw the death penalty for juvenile killers, in part because international sentiment is against it.
posted by Andy W. Rogers | 1:06 PM
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