The Intelligence from The Economist Bench press: Trump’s Supreme Court pick
Sep 28, 2020
Amy Coney Barrett, a Supreme Court nominee recognized for her conservative take on abortion and gun rights, discusses how her potential confirmation could shape the court for decades. David Rennie, a Beijing bureau chief, highlights inspiring stories of blind students in China gaining access to higher education, challenging societal norms. Together, they explore the growing aspirations of visually impaired youths and the transformative impact of judicial appointments on American law.
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A Conservative Shift
- Amy Coney Barrett's Supreme Court nomination is significant due to her conservative views and appeal to religious conservatives, a key Trump voter bloc.
- Her potential appointment could shift the court's ideological balance for decades, replacing the liberal Justice Ginsburg.
The Threat to Roe v. Wade
- Republicans have targeted Roe v. Wade since the 1980s, aiming to overturn the abortion rights it established.
- Barrett's belief that life begins at conception and her stance against abortion may lead to this outcome if she's confirmed.
Conservative on Gun Rights
- Barrett's conservative stance extends to gun rights, where she dissented from a ruling restricting gun ownership for felons.
- This position is considered even more conservative than Justice Scalia, her mentor and author of a key Second Amendment decision.