(July 6, 2018 at 12:54 pm)henryp Wrote:(July 6, 2018 at 9:15 am)Brian37 Wrote: No sorry, while others have rightfully pointed out that these clerks did have bench experience, simply sitting at a desk acting basically as a secretary for a judge, is not the full experience as litigating in the courtroom with a gavel in front of a jury and prosecutor and defense lawyers.
"Generally an attorney" is the key. That means there are clerks who don't have bench experience. "Paralegal" would be the name for someone who has not been a judge or does not have a law degree, but works in the industry under a lawyer or judge.
But sure, I would hope that anyone serving under a SCOTUS was a former judge somewhere, or at a minimum was a court lawyer who has argued in court, and not just sat at a desk.
Clerking for a supreme court justice isn't 'basically a secretary'. You know you have very limited knowledge about the significance of clerking for a supreme court justice, so why are you drawing strong conclusions based on your poor understanding? (or why not google it, as someone else suggested instead of just saying ignorant things with confidence?)
Essentially it's the best of the "best of the best". You have to be in the top tier at a top tier law school to have a shot. And then you have to be the best of that group.
You are still missing my point. Others here pointed out what you just said in this post, and I accept that now. But, at the same time others here posted the Constitutional requirements to be a judge, and if you go look at that link, a degree is not required.
"Advise and Consent" are the litmus test, but if our congress gets stupid in the future, because there is no standard, if enough assholes like Trump infect congress, we could have a Rush Limbaugh in. But regardless, our SCOTUS even with bench experience, have bent right economically for the past 36 years, and now trending even religiously more if the president gets what he wants.
It still scares me that there is no written standard as others pointed out other than "advise and consent". It is still possible if enough politicians think theocratic that the "advise and consent" can really fuck things up and turn back the clock. Our right wing has been jerking off over the prospect of turning back Roe V Wade and now considering this is their best chance. The majority right wing court just said it is ok to fuck over gays if you are a business.
