Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

General Discussion

MoonRiver

(36,975 posts) Wed Apr 26, 2017, 07:48 AM Apr 2017

HYPOTHETICAL about SCOTUS judges [View all]

If, I mean when, we take over the presidency and Senate, can our Democratic president add more than 9 judges to SCOTUS. I know FDR did this, but am not sure if the practice has been disallowed since then. Just asking, because either Rump or Pence will be in control for 4 years, and odds are pretty high that one or two more SCOTUS positions will become open. And that will mean we have a very right wing judiciary for a generation.

9 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

HYPOTHETICAL about SCOTUS judges [View all] MoonRiver Apr 2017 OP

From Wikipedia... N_E_1 for Tennis Apr 2017 #1

So, I'm still not sure whether we could expand the court to balance things out better. MoonRiver Apr 2017 #2

I edited my original comment to add... N_E_1 for Tennis Apr 2017 #3

Maybe time to try again, especially if we also take the House. MoonRiver Apr 2017 #4

Yes, the size of the court is not specified in the Constitution jberryhill Apr 2017 #5

Thanks. I do believe, if possible, we may have to do this, to protect our nation against fascism. MoonRiver Apr 2017 #6

If it's as easy as that MichMary Apr 2017 #7

He doesn't have to take that step. Also, I do not know how easy it is to do. MoonRiver Apr 2017 #8

To ensure a conservative majority on the court MichMary Apr 2017 #9