The Supreme Court Has Bent the Knee

"The twice-annual meeting of the Judicial Conference is, historically, dry as dust. Overseen by Chief Justice John Roberts, the gathering of federal judges from across the country meets twice a year and typically concerns itself with budget or procedures. But at the most recent gathering last week on Tuesday, Roberts was subject to unusually stern rebukes by two guest speakers: Democratic representatives Hank Johnson and Jamie Raskin of the House Judiciary Committee."

"In remarks before the assembled judges, both members accused the Supreme Court of enabling President Donald Trump's attacks on the rule of law by using the so-called shadow docket - a slate of fast-tracked proceedings that don't get a full hearing or explanation that is sometimes more politely referred to as the "emergency docket" - to swiftly overrule lower courts that rule against the administration."

"The result of quietly backing Trump this way, Johnson said, according to Bloomberg Law, is "an even-more reckless and unchecked executive while challenges to [the president's] overreach remain pending." He added that even if the Court eventually ruled against the administration in hearing the shadow-docket cases in full, it would be "impossible to undo the damage that will have been done to our democracy.""

The Judicial Conference convenes twice annually under Chief Justice John Roberts and typically focuses on budget or procedural matters. At a recent meeting, Democratic Representatives Hank Johnson and Jamie Raskin sharply criticized the Supreme Court for enabling President Donald Trump's attacks on the rule of law through the shadow docket. The shadow docket comprises fast-tracked proceedings without full hearings or explanations that can swiftly overrule lower-court decisions. Johnson warned that such backing creates a more reckless, unchecked executive and can inflict damage that may be impossible to undo. The Trump administration faces over 300 legal challenges and the Court has sided with the administration on the shadow docket in most cases.

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