There are no Supreme Court vacancies, but some judges are acting like there might be

[cliffside]

Source: WaPo

"Speculation is swirling over potential departures at the high court, and firebrand conservative judges might be using flashy rulings to audition for the president.

One judge appears to have dropped his long-standing support for birthright citizenship. Another wrote that the federal judiciary should not demand President Donald Trump’s “homework.” A third opened a recent dissent with a crude term for male genitalia.

As speculation swirls about a potential Supreme Court vacancy, a growing number of firebrand conservative judges are making themselves hard to ignore. Even without firm signs of an imminent opening at the high court, many lawyers consider the rise in flashy opinions to be a form of auditioning for Trump, known for his appreciation of loyalty and grandiose style.

Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr., 76, is widely seen as the justice most likely to step down after this Supreme Court term ends in about a month. Observers point to Alito’s age and the release of his first book as possible reasons the justice might soon retire. The stalwart conservative also might want to step down before the midterm elections in November, they say, so a Trump-appointed successor could be confirmed before Democrats potentially gain seats in the Senate..."

Read more: https://wapo.st/4o18iay