Bainbridge: John Paul Stevens To Retire, Too

James Joyner · Tuesday, July 12, 2005 · 3 Comments

Law prof Steve Bainbridge “got an email today from a reliable source opining that Justice John Paul Stevens will retire this summer if, but only if, CJ Rehnquist steps down. The theory is that Stevens will be willing to let Bush fill his slot only if there are so many spots available that Bush will feel free and/or pressure to nominate at least one moderate.”

Given that Stevens is 85 years old and nominally Republican, it would make sense. Still, having three Justices retire in one term–after none in over a decade–would be stunning.

Bainbridge’s analysis as to the nature of the three appointments to replace Rehnquist, O’Connor, and Stevens is quite plausible.

FILED UNDER: James Joyner, Law and the Courts

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About James Joyner
James Joyner is the publisher of Outside the Beltway and the managing editor of the Atlantic Council. He's a former Army officer, Desert Storm vet, and college professor with a PhD in political science from The University of Alabama. Follow James on Twitter.

Comments

Sgt Fluffy says:

Tuesday, July 12, 2005 at 22:58

Oh man, we are going to need more therapists.

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the musings of Brandon Jaynes » John Paul Stevens Leaving, Too? says:

Wednesday, July 13, 2005 at 08:08

[...] OTB has an entry stating that Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens may be stepping down, too. [...]

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Danny Carlton (aka Jack Lewis) says:

Wednesday, July 13, 2005 at 10:53

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