Dems’ Star Witness In SCOTUS Hearing Deemed ‘Not Credible’ By SCOTUS
story
US House Committee to Hear Testimony About Alleged SCOTUS Leak
Last updated Dec 08, 2022
Image credit: The New York TimesFacts
- The US House Judiciary Committee was set Thursday to hear the testimony of Reverend Rod Schenck, a former anti-abortion activist who claimed in a New York Times report last month that SCOTUS Justice Samuel Alito leaked the 2014 Hobby Lobby v. Burwell ruling to conservative activists.[1]
- The Times report detailed how Alito prematurely revealed the decision to Gayle Wright, a member of Schenck’s organization, during one of several dinners the group had in an alleged effort to influence conservative justices.[2]
- Alito, who wrote the decision, has denied the accusation as “completely false.”[3]
- Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said that the panel is looking into the allegation of the leaked Hobby Lobby v. Burwell decision, which allowed corporations to refuse to pay for contraception on religious grounds, as required by the Affordable Care Act.[2]
- This investigation comes while the Court’s marshal is still investigating the leak this year of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization majority opinion, which overturned the federal right to abortion as established by Roe v. Wade. That opinion was also written by Alito.[4]
- Unlike other federal judges, SCOTUS justices aren't bound by a written code of ethics. Some in Congress are calling for the creation of one.[4]
Spin
Republican narrative
Everyone reportedly involved in this so-called leak has denied it, and there are many holes in Schenck’s story. Plus, he’s a flip-flopper who once opposed abortion but now believes it should be left up to individuals. Schenck isn’t credible, and neither is this serious accusation. This investigation is a waste of Congress’ time.
Democratic narrative
It’s important that Congress look deeper into this matter, and getting testimony from Schenck is a step in the right direction. Although the court counsel provided lawmakers with a letter that included denials from Alito and Wright, the Times report alluded to evidence the justice and his friend might not be telling the whole truth. Only a thorough investigation will clear this up.
