U.S.A FEDERAL JUDICIARY

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 354, 8 February 1937, Page 6

U.S.A FEDERAL JUDICIARY

SWEEPING CHARGES PRESIDENT'S PLANS. To Revitalise Courts With Younger Judges. Press Association—Copyright. Washington, February 5. President Roosevelt in an unexpected message to Congress to-day recommended the sweeping reorganisation of the Federal! judiciary, includingi authorisation for the President to make a discretionary increase in the membership of the Supreme Court by a maximum of six more justices and declaring that the' proposals' raise no constitutional issues. President Roosevelt recommended power for the President to nominate an additional judge to any court where the incumbent has reached the age of 70 years and has held office for ten years, a»d who within six months after reaching 70 has not retired or resigned, with the provision that no decision, injunction, judgtired or resigned, injunction, judgment or decree on any constitutional question be promulgated by any Federal Court without previous and ample notice to the Attorney-General of the United States and without opportunity being given the Government to present evidence.

The President, informally explaining the meaning of the measure said: “The constant and systematic addition of younger blood will vitalise thecourts and will better equip them to recognise and apply essential concepts of justice in the light of the needs and facts of an ever-changing world." “Packing” the Court. The New York Times in a leading article says the President’s' action leaves him open to the charge of endeavouring to do indirectly what he cannot do directly and by cleverness and adroitness dealing with the Supreme Court. It is emphasised that Mr Roosevelt did not give a single hint of such a scheme in his speeches during the election campaign. The Herald-Tribune says Mr Rposevelt has brought forward a proposal which if enaction would end the American State as it has existed for the long years of its life. “Despite his artistry in presentation,” the paper adds, “the brutal fact remains that he would pack the court with six new justices willing to bow to his ruling. The President’s power would then be unrestrained and the court’s 1 constitution would be subject only to the necessity of the consent of a subservient Congress.” The Los Angeles Times' says “this programme, of almost devilish Ingenuity cannot be offered in good faith." Conservatives and Democrats announced to-day that they would lead the fight, against the increase in the Dumber qf judges. The Republicans 1 are planning to remain in the background. It is indicated that the nine justices will be asked to express their views on the proposal to congresional committees. Most commentators believe Mr Roosevelt will win.