Faculty in the News
In the News
Even for the experienced Sotomayor, many changes await
Publication date: Aug. 8, 2009
Source: The Washington Post
Author: Robert Barnes
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An article in The Washington Post about the challenges Sonia Sotomayor will face as an incoming justice on the U.S. Supreme Court, quoted Stephen McAllister, professor of law. McAllister was one of Justice Clarence Thomas' clerks during his first term on the court.
The Washington Post wrote:
"It's a bit daunting, and she'll come in with no familiarity with Supreme Court procedure," said Stephen R. McAllister, a University of Kansas law professor who was one of Justice Clarence Thomas's clerks during his first term on the court.
On questions about whether to overrule the court's precedents, which she will face in a Sept. 9 hearing on campaign finance, "it will require a mind-set change for her," McAllister said. "This is the court most free in the federal system to make change, and she'll have to get used to that."
...
The justices "are all very nice to each other, they're all collegial," he said. "But there is no such thing as 'junior justice' training." After an initial round of courtesy calls, McAllister said, the attitude is, "You're a justice now; you figure out how to do it."