 Hopes For Quick Reversal By Supreme Court June 27, 2002
Murkowski added that the decision is another example of why the Ninth Circuit needs to be broken up into smaller circuits, so judges have more time to stay in touch with other legal rulings and with the legal system and society at large. "This decision is truly shocking. This type of extremism is carried out by individuals who want to eradicate any reference to religion in public life. It is wrong and I hope that it is quickly reviewed by the Supreme Court," Murkowski said. "Sadly, for some time, I have commented on how the Ninth Circuit has drifted far away from the morals and values of our society. This is just more proof," said Murkowski. The Senator has introduced legislation to split the Ninth Circuit into two circuits to help reduce its caseload. "The Ninth Circuit is simply too large. It extends from the Arctic Circle to the Mexican border and spans the tropics from Hawaii and Guam to Montana. Encompassing 14 million square miles, it is the largest by any measure, larger than eight other circuits combined. "The court is simply out of touch with its community," said Murkowski noting that the court has an alarmingly high reversal rate by the Supreme Court - almost 90 percent of the court's decisions being reversed upon review by the High Court. Murkowski's bill would leave California, Nevada and Arizona in the Ninth circuit, but create a new circuit for the Pacific Northwest and Pacific states and territories. Murkowski said this decision is simply another reason for Congress to address some of the "fundamental failures" existing in the Ninth Circuit.
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