EXCLUSIVE: How Brett Kavanaugh tried to sidestep abortion and Trump financial docs cases
Updated 1242 GMT July 29, 2020 Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh urged his colleagues in a series of private memos this spring to consider avoiding decisions in major disputes over abortion and Democratic subpoenas for President Donald Trump's financial records, according to multiple sources familiar with the inner workings of the court.
In the abortion controversy, Kavanaugh wanted the justices to sidestep any ruling on the merits of a Louisiana law that could have closed abortion clinics in the state, CNN has learned. The case marked the first time in four years the justices were taking up the heated subject.
The same would have been true in the fight between Trump and the US House of Representatives. Kavanaugh's idea -- presented to the justices in an internal memo and conversations, sources said -- would have had the high court avoid the subpoena fight over Trump financial documents, based on the judicial principle that courts should stay out of cases involving fundamentally political questions.
His searing confirmation hearings, when he denied allegations that he had sexually assaulted Christine Blasey Ford when they were teenagers, remain fresh. He decried the claims as part of a vengeful partisan campaign against him. Having undergone that divisive battle, Kavanaugh, in his writing, appears keenly aware of tenuous public opinion of him and ready to adopt a posture of conciliation with his colleagues as he tries to influence deliberations on cases.
Understanding John Roberts' surprising streak of liberal wins 03:16In their filings, the parties to the case said the high court had the authority, indeed responsibility, to decide the case. Kavanaugh's idea in the end also failed to sway the other justices, and Kavanaugh backed away from it, sources said. Had a majority gone in that direction, it could have meant avoiding votes on the highly charged battle between Trump and congressional Democrats.
Deutschland Neuesten Nachrichten, Deutschland Schlagzeilen
Similar News:Sie können auch ähnliche Nachrichten wie diese lesen, die wir aus anderen Nachrichtenquellen gesammelt haben.
EXCLUSIVE: How Brett Kavanaugh tried to sidestep abortion and Trump financial docs casesCNN News, delivered. Select from our newsletters below and enter your email to subscribe.
Weiterlesen »
EXCLUSIVE: How Brett Kavanaugh tried to sidestep abortion and Trump financial docs casesCNN News, delivered. Select from our newsletters below and enter your email to subscribe.
Weiterlesen »
There’s Hope for a Better World in 'Stockton'HBO's new doc chronicles the city’s first Black mayor and its youngest elected official.
Weiterlesen »
Trump’s Next Supreme Court List Could Be Really ExtremeConservatives are again feeling betrayed on abortion and LGBTQ rights. Trump needs to convince them his future picks would be infallibly reactionary.
Weiterlesen »
Former Malaysian Prime Minister Convicted of 7 Charges in 1MDB CaseAnalysts said the ruling would bolster the prosecution’s case in Najib Razak’s other trials and would signal to the business community Malaysia’s legal system has strength in tackling international financial crimes.
Weiterlesen »
Target joins Walmart in staying closed for Thanksgiving this yearTwo of the biggest retailers in the U.S. are closing their doors on Thanksgiving this year, sidestepping a recent tradition of keeping the lights on for customers after their turkey dinners.
Weiterlesen »