Merrick Garland is an American lawyer and jurist who serves as the 86th and current United States attorney general. A moderate Democrat, he previously served as a judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit from 1997 to 2020.
Garland was nominated to the Supreme Court by President Barack Obama in 2016, following the death of Justice Antonin Scalia. However, the Republican-controlled Senate refused to hold hearings on the nomination, leaving the seat vacant for over ten months. When President Donald Trump took office in January 2017, he withdrew Garland's nomination and instead nominated Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court.
Garland was once again nominated to the Supreme Court in 2020, this time by President Joe Biden. After a contentious confirmation process, Garland was confirmed by the Senate in a 68-32 vote and took office on February 23, 2021.
Who appointed Merrick Garland?
Garland was appointed by President Joe Biden.
- Nominated by Barack Obama in 2016
- Nomination blocked by Senate Republicans
- Nominated again by Joe Biden in 2020
- Confirmed by Senate in 2021
- Took office as Attorney General
- First Jewish Attorney General since 1983
- Moderate Democrat
- Former judge on DC Circuit Court
- Respected by legal community
Garland's appointment was seen as a return to normalcy after the tumultuous Trump era.
Nominated by Barack Obama in 2016
In 2016, President Barack Obama nominated Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court following the death of Justice Antonin Scalia. Garland was a moderate Democrat and a well-respected judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
- Obama's choice:
Obama chose Garland because he was a qualified and experienced jurist who would bring a fair and impartial perspective to the Supreme Court.
- Garland's qualifications:
Garland had served on the DC Circuit Court for 19 years and was considered to be one of the most respected judges on the court.
- Bipartisan support:
Garland's nomination was initially supported by some Republican senators, including Orrin Hatch and Susan Collins.
- Republican opposition:
However, Senate Republicans ultimately decided to block Garland's nomination, arguing that it was too close to the 2016 presidential election.
Garland's nomination was a major political controversy. Republicans argued that the next president should choose Scalia's replacement, while Democrats accused Republicans of playing politics with the Supreme Court.
Nomination blocked by Senate Republicans
Senate Republicans blocked Merrick Garland's nomination to the Supreme Court in 2016. This was a controversial decision, as it was the first time in history that a Senate had refused to hold hearings on a Supreme Court nominee.
- Political motivations:
Republicans argued that they were blocking Garland's nomination because it was too close to the 2016 presidential election. They wanted the next president to choose Scalia's replacement.
- Unprecedented obstruction:
Garland's nomination was the first time in history that a Senate had refused to hold hearings on a Supreme Court nominee. This was seen as an abuse of power by the Republican majority.
- Partisan gridlock:
The decision to block Garland's nomination was a sign of the deep partisan gridlock in Washington, DC. Republicans and Democrats were unable to agree on anything, even something as important as filling a vacancy on the Supreme Court.
- Consequences:
The decision to block Garland's nomination had a number of consequences. It left the Supreme Court with a 4-4 split, which made it difficult for the court to issue rulings. It also set a precedent for future presidents to block Supreme Court nominees from the opposing party.
The decision to block Garland's nomination was a major political controversy. It is still debated today whether or not it was the right decision.
Nominated again by Joe Biden in 2020
After winning the 2020 presidential election, Joe Biden nominated Merrick Garland to be Attorney General. This was seen as a wise choice, as Garland was a respected and experienced jurist who was well-qualified for the position.
- Experience and qualifications:
Garland had served as a judge on the DC Circuit Court for 24 years and was considered to be one of the most respected judges on the court. He was also seen as a moderate Democrat who would be able to work with both parties.
- Bipartisan support:
Garland's nomination was supported by both Democrats and Republicans. This was a sign that he was a well-respected and qualified nominee.
- Need for unity:
After the tumultuous Trump era, Biden wanted to appoint someone who would help to unify the country. Garland was seen as someone who could do this, as he was a respected and experienced jurist who was not seen as being too partisan.
- Commitment to the rule of law:
Biden wanted to appoint someone who was committed to the rule of law. Garland was seen as someone who would uphold the law and protect the rights of all Americans.
Garland's nomination was confirmed by the Senate in a 68-32 vote. This was a strong sign of support for Garland and his qualifications.
Confirmed by Senate in 2021
Merrick Garland's nomination to be Attorney General was confirmed by the Senate in a 68-32 vote on February 23, 2021. This was a strong sign of support for Garland and his qualifications.
- Bipartisan support:
Garland's nomination was supported by both Democrats and Republicans. This was a sign that he was a well-respected and qualified nominee.
- Experience and qualifications:
Garland's long and distinguished career as a judge on the DC Circuit Court made him well-qualified for the position of Attorney General. He was seen as someone who would uphold the law and protect the rights of all Americans.
- Need for unity:
After the tumultuous Trump era, there was a desire for a return to normalcy and unity. Garland was seen as someone who could help to unify the country, as he was a respected and experienced jurist who was not seen as being too partisan.
- Commitment to the rule of law:
Garland's commitment to the rule of law was a major factor in his confirmation. He was seen as someone who would uphold the law and protect the rights of all Americans, regardless of their political beliefs.
Garland's confirmation was a positive step forward for the country. It showed that there is still some bipartisan cooperation possible in Washington, DC, and that qualified and experienced individuals can still be confirmed to high-level positions.
Took office as Attorney General
Merrick Garland took office as Attorney General on March 11, 2021. He was sworn in by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor.
As Attorney General, Garland is the chief legal officer of the United States. He is responsible for enforcing federal laws, providing legal advice to the President and other government officials, and representing the United States in court.
Garland has made a number of important decisions since taking office. He has directed the Department of Justice to prioritize civil rights cases, including cases involving voting rights, fair housing, and police misconduct. He has also taken steps to address the opioid crisis and to reform the criminal justice system.
Garland is a respected and experienced jurist. He is committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of all Americans. He is a valuable asset to the Biden administration and is expected to serve as Attorney General for many years to come.
Garland's appointment as Attorney General was a historic moment. He is the first Jewish person to serve in this role since 1983. His appointment is a sign of the Biden administration's commitment to diversity and inclusion.
First Jewish Attorney General since 1983
Merrick Garland is the first Jewish person to serve as Attorney General since 1983, when Edwin Meese left office.
Garland's appointment is a historic moment for the Jewish community in the United States. It is a sign of the progress that has been made in terms of religious tolerance and equality.
Garland's appointment is also a sign of the Biden administration's commitment to diversity and inclusion. The Biden administration has made a concerted effort to appoint qualified individuals from all backgrounds to high-level positions in government.
Garland is a respected and experienced jurist who is well-qualified to serve as Attorney General. He is committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of all Americans, regardless of their religion.
Garland's appointment as Attorney General is a positive step forward for the United States. It is a sign that the country is moving towards a more inclusive and just society.
Moderate Democrat
Merrick Garland is a moderate Democrat. He is a member of the Democratic Party, but he is not considered to be a liberal or progressive Democrat.
Garland's political views are generally in line with the views of the majority of Americans. He is pro-choice on abortion, supports gun control, and believes in the importance of environmental protection.
Garland is also a strong supporter of the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary. He believes that the law should be applied equally to everyone, regardless of their political beliefs.
Garland's moderate views have made him a popular choice for high-level positions in government. He was confirmed to the Supreme Court by a bipartisan vote of 68-32, and he was confirmed as Attorney General by a bipartisan vote of 70-30.
Garland's moderate political views are a reflection of his personality and temperament. He is a thoughtful and deliberate person who is not afraid to listen to different viewpoints. He is also a consensus-builder who is able to work with people from all walks of life.
Former judge on DC Circuit Court
Merrick Garland served as a judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit from 1997 to 2020.
The DC Circuit Court is one of the most important courts in the United States. It has jurisdiction over cases involving federal agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Garland was a highly respected judge on the DC Circuit Court. He was known for his intelligence, his fairness, and his commitment to the rule of law.
Garland's experience as a judge on the DC Circuit Court was a major factor in his nomination to the Supreme Court in 2016. It also played a role in his nomination to be Attorney General in 2021.
Garland's experience on the DC Circuit Court has given him a deep understanding of the law and the judicial process. He is also familiar with the challenges facing the federal government.
Respected by legal community
Merrick Garland is widely respected by the legal community. He is known for his intelligence, his fairness, and his commitment to the rule of law.
- Reputation for fairness and impartiality:
Garland is known for his fair and impartial approach to the law. He is not afraid to rule against the government or powerful interests.
- Intellectual rigor:
Garland is a brilliant jurist with a deep understanding of the law. He is also a gifted writer and speaker.
- Commitment to the rule of law:
Garland is a strong believer in the rule of law. He believes that the law should be applied equally to everyone, regardless of their political beliefs or social status.
- Collegiality:
Garland is a collegial judge who is able to work with people from all walks of life. He is also a good listener who is always willing to consider different viewpoints.
Garland's reputation for fairness, impartiality, and intellectual rigor has earned him the respect of judges, lawyers, and legal scholars from across the political spectrum.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about Merrick Garland and his appointment as Attorney General:
Question 1: Who is Merrick Garland?
Answer: Merrick Garland is an American lawyer and jurist who serves as the 86th and current United States attorney general.
Question 2: Who appointed Merrick Garland as Attorney General?
Answer: Merrick Garland was appointed as Attorney General by President Joe Biden.
Question 3: When was Merrick Garland appointed as Attorney General?
Answer: Merrick Garland was appointed as Attorney General on March 11, 2021.
Question 4: What is Merrick Garland's political party?
Answer: Merrick Garland is a moderate Democrat.
Question 5: What was Merrick Garland's previous position?
Answer: Merrick Garland served as a judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit from 1997 to 2020.
Question 6: Why was Merrick Garland's nomination to the Supreme Court blocked in 2016?
Answer: Merrick Garland's nomination to the Supreme Court was blocked in 2016 by Senate Republicans.
Question 7: Why was Merrick Garland nominated to be Attorney General?
Answer: Merrick Garland was nominated to be Attorney General because he is a qualified and experienced jurist who is committed to the rule of law.
Question 8: What are some of Merrick Garland's accomplishments as Attorney General?
Answer: Merrick Garland has made a number of important decisions since taking office, including directing the Department of Justice to prioritize civil rights cases and taking steps to address the opioid crisis and reform the criminal justice system.
These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about Merrick Garland and his appointment as Attorney General. For more information, please visit the Department of Justice website.
Tips
Here are a few tips for learning more about Merrick Garland and his appointment as Attorney General:
Tip 1: Visit the Department of Justice website.
The Department of Justice website has a wealth of information about Merrick Garland and his work as Attorney General. You can find his biography, speeches, press releases, and other resources.
Tip 2: Read news articles about Merrick Garland.
Many news organizations have written articles about Merrick Garland and his appointment as Attorney General. These articles can provide you with insights into his background, his qualifications, and his priorities as Attorney General.
Tip 3: Watch videos of Merrick Garland.
There are a number of videos of Merrick Garland available online. These videos can give you a chance to hear him speak about his work and his views on the law.
Tip 4: Follow Merrick Garland on social media.
Merrick Garland is active on social media. You can follow him on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay up-to-date on his latest news and activities.
Tip 5: Attend a speech or event featuring Merrick Garland.
Merrick Garland sometimes gives speeches or attends events open to the public. If you have the opportunity to attend one of these events, it would be a great way to learn more about him and his work.
These are just a few tips for learning more about Merrick Garland and his appointment as Attorney General. By following these tips, you can stay informed about his work and his impact on the Department of Justice.
Merrick Garland is a highly qualified and experienced jurist who is committed to the rule of law. He is a valuable asset to the Biden administration and is expected to serve as Attorney General for many years to come.
Conclusion
Merrick Garland is a highly qualified and experienced jurist who is committed to the rule of law. He is a valuable asset to the Biden administration and is expected to serve as Attorney General for many years to come.
Garland's appointment as Attorney General is a historic moment. He is the first Jewish person to serve in this role since 1983, and he is also the first person to be appointed Attorney General after having been nominated to the Supreme Court.
Garland's appointment is a sign of the Biden administration's commitment to diversity and inclusion. It is also a sign of the administration's commitment to the rule of law and to protecting the rights of all Americans.
Garland is a moderate Democrat who is respected by both Democrats and Republicans. He is a thoughtful and deliberate person who is able to listen to different viewpoints and find common ground.
Garland's experience as a judge on the DC Circuit Court and his commitment to the rule of law make him well-qualified to serve as Attorney General. He is a strong advocate for justice and equality, and he is committed to upholding the law and protecting the rights of all Americans.
Merrick Garland is a dedicated public servant who is committed to the rule of law and to protecting the rights of all Americans. He is a valuable asset to the Biden administration and is expected to serve as Attorney General for many years to come.