Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Fact Check Of The Day: Reversals

With the upcoming Supreme Court nomination, Republicans are pointing out that nominee Judge Sotomayor has had her decisions reversed by the Supreme Court 80% of the time.

That's actually true.

What Republicans won't tell you is that the national average by which federal judges' decisions are overturned by the Supreme Court is 77%... with some federal courts (such as Denver's 10th circuit) being reversed 100% of the time.

To put it simply: The Supreme Court doesn't hear appeals unless it is likely to overturn a lower court's decision. Therefore, one shouldn't be surprised when the Supreme Court overturns a high percentage of the cases that they hear.

Remember kids, there are people out there who are paid to make you stupid.

Hat tip to John Cole.

No comments: