What did Merrick Garland do wrong? This question has been swirling in the political discourse since Merrick Garland was nominated by President Obama to serve as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court in 2016. Despite his long career as a respected federal judge and legal scholar, Garland faced significant opposition from the Republican Party, which ultimately led to his nomination being blocked. This article will delve into the criticisms levied against Garland and explore the reasons why some believe he has done wrong in his role as a Supreme Court Justice.
The primary criticism against Merrick Garland centers around his perceived political bias. Critics argue that Garland has made decisions that favor liberal causes and have undermined the integrity of the Supreme Court. One of the most notable examples of this is his role in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) case, NFIB v. Sebelius. Some claim that Garland’s vote to uphold the ACA was influenced by his political leanings, rather than his judicial philosophy.
Another point of contention is Garland’s handling of the 2020 election. Following the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, President Biden nominated Garland to fill the vacancy. However, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and other Republicans blocked the nomination, arguing that it was inappropriate to fill the seat during an election year. Critics argue that Garland’s failure to take a stand against this obstructionist behavior is a sign of weakness and a lack of commitment to the rule of law.
Furthermore, some have accused Garland of being too passive in his role as a Supreme Court Justice. They argue that he has not been aggressive enough in protecting civil liberties and has failed to uphold the principles of equality and justice for all. For instance, in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which dealt with the issue of abortion rights, Garland voted to uphold a Mississippi law that banned abortions after 15 weeks. Critics argue that this decision was a betrayal of his commitment to women’s rights and reproductive freedom.
Despite these criticisms, many legal experts and supporters of Garland argue that he has performed admirably in his role as a Supreme Court Justice. They contend that his decisions have been based on a thorough understanding of the law and a commitment to the Constitution. They also note that Garland has been a voice of reason and moderation on the Court, often bridging the ideological gap between conservative and liberal justices.
In conclusion, the question of what Merrick Garland did wrong is a complex one. While some critics argue that he has shown political bias and failed to take a strong stance on certain issues, others believe that he has been a dedicated and principled member of the Supreme Court. As the debate over Garland’s tenure continues, it is essential to consider the full range of his decisions and the impact they have had on American law and society.
