What is Court Packing?
Court packing refers to the practice of adding more judges to a court in order to change its ideological makeup or influence its decisions. This can be done by increasing the number of judges on the court through legislation or executive action.
Historical Examples
One of the most famous instances of court packing in U.S. history occurred in 1937 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt attempted to expand the Supreme Court from 9 to 15 justices. This was seen as a way for Roosevelt to secure support for his New Deal policies which were facing legal challenges.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Court packing can help to ensure a more diverse range of perspectives on a court and prevent it from becoming too ideologically one-sided.
- Cons: Critics argue that court packing can undermine the independence and legitimacy of the judiciary, as well as set a dangerous precedent for future administrations.
Recent Discussions
In recent years, court packing has become a topic of debate once again, with some Democratic politicians advocating for expanding the number of justices on the Supreme Court in response to the conservative majority on the bench. However, there are concerns about the potential consequences of such a move.
Conclusion
Court packing is a controversial practice that has been used throughout history to influence the decisions of a court. While it can have its advantages, it also raises important questions about the integrity and independence of the judiciary.
