Women Considered in Supreme Court Justice Appointment

President Barack Obama will have the task of appointing the next Supreme Court Justice after David Souter announced his plans to retire this summer.

Wednesday, May 6th 2009, 9:27 pm

By: News 9


By Dave Jordan, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- President Barack Obama will have the task of appointing the next Supreme Court Justice after David Souter announced his plans to retire this summer.

According to Oklahoma Law School Dean Lawrence Hellman said part of the pressure to appoint a woman is coming from the remaining female justice on the high court.

Justice Ruth Badar Ginsburg told USA Today that women should not be the exception when considering potential appointees.

Read the USA Today article in which Justice Ginsburg discusses females in consideration for the appointment.

Although it's a daunting task to appoint a Supreme Court justice, Hellman focused on its importance.

"It's a wonderful opportunity to make a mark on an important institution, our third branch of government," Dean Hellman said.

Among the front runners, Elena Kagan, a former Harvard Law School dean turned Solicitor General of the United States.

"She was a listener and a very conscientious learner," Hellman said.

According to Hellman, Kathleen Sullivan could also be up for consideration. She's a former dead at Stanford Law School.

"She was extremely intelligent," Hellman said. "A gifted facilitator of discussion drawing out different points of view."

Hellman met both of the women, but said there are many others who have the same qualifications.

"There are 200 Federal Judges who are women. About 50 of them are appellate judges," Hellman said.

Medical Doctor-turned law student Sue Abreu is also watching developments closely.

"It's very difficult to get the perfect person, but the more diversity you bring, the more chances you have to bring opportunities for fresh discussion," Abreu said. "The more diverse our court is, the more it represents the country."

U.S. Appellate Judges Sonia Sotomayor and Diana Wood are on the short list.

President Obama will reportedly begin meeting with some of those candidates this week.

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