"In a democracy, no one person should wield so much power for so long. Article III of the Constitution provides that federal judges “shall hold their offices during good behaviour.” In practice this language means they serve for life absent voluntary retirement or impeachment. Were we to draft the Constitution today, we would be wise to reconsider this provision."
Democracy? Something to think about. Is there democracy in the United States of America? We advocate for democracy all over the world, but do we follow the same path? It's clear to me that this quote is actually questioning our democracy. In the US, Supreme Court judges serve a life term in power. This quote is challenging such provision. Why do we give so much power to some people if we claim to be in a democracy? In democracy, it's okay for one to wield power but not for so long. This quote is question whether or not we are actually a democracy of let someone hold power for so long. Supreme Court judges are very powerful in this country. As time changes, judges should change also. This quote is suggesting that our leaders take a look at our constitution and try to make a wise decision when it comes to this topic. No one should be in power for life if we want to be consider as a democracy. Calling on the government to make a wise decision and reconsider such provision.
I chose this quote because for so long, I've been wanting to see hat provision changes. Me personally, I never understand why we let any position rule for so long if we claim to be a democracy, to me that's dictatorship. Some people went as far as saying that judges should serve an 18 years term, nothing wrong with that. In my own eyes, I think the maximum term for a Supreme Court judge should be 20 years, solely because I want gen to experience different government so they do not favor a specific political party. We want judges to be as conservative as possible. The main purpose of a judge should be to do what's right for the people, but it's really hard to find that. Nowadays, we live in a society where everything is political. People in power only want to put other people like them next to them. The government is soft nowadays and they are afraid of criticism. My only problem with the life term is the fact that once these judges make a decision, it's really hard to come back and get a different opinion but if we have different judges every 15-20 years, I feel like our country could have been a lot different for better or worse. I want to say we live in a democracy but I don't believe it. A lot of things we do, do not correlates with Democracy. I'll leave you with one simple question, if we live in a democracy, why are we still using the electoral college ststem to elect president? Something to thing about!
I am in full agreement that a lifetime term is not democracy. The fact that federal judges are guaranteed a “Lift time,” position leaves room for becoming comfortable in their position. They as you say, are empowered and Article III section 1, “at stated times, receive for their services, a compensation, which shall not be diminished during their continuance in office.” They are set for life and with the certainty of a position the drive to be honest, open and willing to work for the people may be compromised. The power in a democracy is to be amoung the people, this rule goes completely against that. The U.S. Supreme Court judges never have to worry about the people’s desires, they are locked into their power and have a safety net for life.
ReplyDeleteMy feelings resinate with yours, I believe this must be changed and if changed it would send a message to the people that we are more of a democracy and not just saying we are a democracy.
Times have changed since these guidelines were put into place and they will continue to change. The fact that we as one of the leading countries do we not see that and act upon it is being remiss. Too much power cannot be given to these judges and us pretend we have a democracy.
Yes in full agreement, people in power want to put their friends or peers right next to them when replacing positions so they continue to have power over the people’s desires. Look at our political situation now. I personally feel that 10 - 12 years should be the maximum for serving as a judge on the Supreme Court. This may keep them more on their toes and in tune with the people and their needs and then be more of what we continue to profess we are, a democracy.