By Lily Lloyd-Williams
This week the senate has confirmed Amy Coney Barrett, a far right judge, will be sworn into the supreme court after being nominated by the republican party. This decision comes just 8 days before the 2020 US presidential election making it a crucial movement for the race between Biden and Trump. For most this event is undeniably frustrating, this same senate denied Merrick Garland to be sworn in during Obama’s presidency 237 days before the election yet they are allowing a far right republican to be chosen barely a week before what is an already extremely close race. Furthermore this decision may impact those choosing to vote, not only for the president but other representatives as it shows the hypocrisy within the government and many will be reluctant to vote for an extremist right wing judge. However due to the decision being so close to voting deadlines, 60 million people have already voted.
Amy Coney Barrett is sworn in alongside Donald Trump
As mentioned before, Barrett is a far right judge, nominated for the supreme court by republicans, known for her controversial views especially those surrounding abortion. She has also been know to say things that highlight her lack of racial sensitivity and racism. During her career she has ruled that using the n-word does not make work environments hostile. This type of blatant disregard for others and the lack of empathy, synonymous with Trump, emphasises her inability to truly reflect fairly on the views of Americans. Another example that reflects her racist mindset is the lack of effort made to make any progress in racial justice following the deaths of George Floyd and Brionna Taylor earlier this year.
Amy adds to the already present conservative advantage, now making the court 6-3 in favour of conservatives. If Biden was elected in November he could, and will hopefully, deploy certain tactics in order to rectify this unfair and undemocratic lead. He could either use ‘court packing’, add more judges to the court, of carry out a ‘court reform’ meaning there would be a judicial reform. The aim of this would be the improvement of the quality of justice and the effectivity and efficiency of the judges. These significant decisions add to the ever-growing importance to vote, vote, vote!
The US election special comes on Saturday at 7:00 pm
She is not far-right