Judge’s Remarks Spark Speculation on Supreme Court Nomination
Public remarks made by Judge James C. Ho of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals at New Orleans have ignited discussions about a potential Supreme Court nomination, as reported by Bloomberg Law. Known for his conservative views and controversial statements, Judge Ho’s recent comments have raised eyebrows and fueled speculation about his future in the judiciary.
Controversial Statements and Conservative Stances
Judge Ho’s remarks on birthright citizenship, criticism of conservative viewpoints, and appearances on conservative platforms have garnered significant attention. In an interview with Josh Blackman, a professor at the South Texas College of Law in Houston, published at the Volokh Conspiracy, Ho questioned the application of birthright citizenship in cases of war or invasion. Referring to a past case where Texas argued that illegal immigration constitutes an invasion under the Constitution, Ho stated, “No one to my knowledge has ever argued that the children of invading aliens are entitled to birthright citizenship.”
During a panel for the conservative Federalist Society, Ho took aim at critics of the Supreme Court, highlighting the divide between academics and conservative perspectives. He also addressed negative remarks made by judges, including Judge Amul Thapar of the 6th Circuit at Cincinnati, who disagreed with boycotting law school graduates in clerk hiring.
Personal Insights and Conflicting Priorities
Despite the buzz surrounding Judge Ho’s potential Supreme Court nomination, some, like Brad Hubbard, a partner at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher and one of Ho’s former law clerks, believe that his intentions may not align with traditional career aspirations. Hubbard shared that Ho values his family life in Dallas and holds a distaste for the political landscape of Washington D.C. Additionally, Ho’s wife, a partner at Gibson Dunn who has argued before the Supreme Court, could pose conflict issues if Ho were to ascend to the highest court in the land.
As discussions continue to swirl around Judge Ho’s provocative statements and future prospects, it remains to be seen how his controversial remarks will impact his judicial career and potential nomination to the Supreme Court. The intersection of personal values, professional aspirations, and political considerations adds a layer of complexity to the unfolding narrative surrounding this enigmatic figure in the legal world.
