Austin News

U.S. Senator John Cornyn and several Republican colleagues have penned a letter to Judge Robert Conrad, Director of the Administrative Office of U.S. Courts, emphasizing that the Judicial Conference should refrain from involving itself in the legislative process. In the letter, Cornyn, along with Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and 17 other Senate Republicans, expressed their concerns over the Judicial Conference's recommendation regarding the random assignment of cases involving nationwide injunctions. The lawmakers asserted that such actions would encroach upon Congress' authority to determine the structure of federal district courts.

The letter stated, "These matters are properly decided by the legislative branch, not the courts." The Republican senators highlighted their belief in the importance of maintaining the separation of powers, with reference to Alexander Hamilton's views on the roles of the political branches. They emphasized that the judiciary's role is to remind the political branches to stay within their respective lanes.

The Republicans expressed relief that the judiciary has refrained from interfering in the legislative process, stating their expectation that the issue will not resurface from the Judicial Conference. The letter was also signed by Senators Ted Cruz, Mike Lee, Thom Tillis, and other Republican lawmakers.

In response to the Republican letter, Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer and his colleagues celebrated the Judicial Conference's actions, with Schumer stating that it would prevent certain plaintiffs from manipulating the court system to their advantage. Schumer has been known for advocating changes in case assignments to achieve desired outcomes.

The Republican senators also critiqued the Judicial Conference's reported policy recommendations, arguing that they would not effectively address the issue of nationwide injunctions. They highlighted the importance of upholding the Constitution's allocation of authority, with Congress being entrusted to determine the structure of lower courts.

The letter concluded with a reaffirmation of the judiciary's independence and separation of powers, echoing the sentiments of Chief Justice Roberts and emphasizing the significance of an impartial administration of laws. The Republicans expressed their satisfaction with the judiciary's decision to respect the primacy of Congress and urged for the issue to be put to rest.

In their closing remarks, the senators reiterated their expectation that the Judicial Conference would refrain from further involvement in legislative matters.