Succession in the Supreme Court generates debate in the US

sudden death of Antonin Scalia, conservative icon on the main American court, triggering discussion in an election year. If Obama manages to appoint successor court could take liberal positions.



The sudden death of Justice Antonin Scalia leaves divided US Supreme Court, hitherto dominated by conservatives. Scalia, 79, was found dead on Saturday (13/02). His death is attributed to natural causes. The news came as a shock in a presidential election year in the United States.

Scalia was appointed by President Ronald Reagan in 1986 as the first Italian-American judge in the Supreme Court. For 30 years, the fervent ultraconservative Catholic marked the interpretation of the law in the United States.

"I think that with the death of Scalia magistrate last night, we were reminded of the importance of this election, the size of the challenges and why we have to win," said Republican Senator Marco Rubio to the station Fox News Sunday.


Scalia marked for 30 years interpretation of the law in the US

Would be a first step in the battle for succession, President Barack Obama said he would exercise their "constitutional responsibilities" and choose a successor.

Appointed for life, Supreme Court judges in Washington need to be approved by the Senate of the country where Republicans hold the majority.

Supreme Court more liberal?

No Scalia, the Supreme Court has weakened conservative base, ie the judges attached to the Republican Party lose their lead to 5 4. Important Republican politicians - including all pre-candidates to the White House - have threatened to block any appointment by Obama , arguing that the decision to appoint a successor Scalia would be for the next president of the United States.

Any appointment by Obama would not be an exception, because the name of Justice Anthony Kennedy, appointed by Ronald Reagan, was confirmed in 1988, also an election year. Obama urged the Senate to grant to its appointed "a fair hearing and a vote in a timely manner."

"These are responsibilities that take it seriously, as everyone should do," said the US president. "They are larger than any party. This is our democracy."

A name chosen by Obama could give a more liberal character to the main court of the country, which would affect all cases involving social issues such as abortion rights and discrimination, as well as constitutional issues, such as arms control and the health system