If you enjoy healthy debate on legal and political issues, it's often worthwhile to check out Volokh Conspiracy after a meaty op-ed in the New York Times. The latest example is Linda Greenhouse's "The N.R.A. at the Bench," describing, and criticizing, the role of the National Rifle Association in the confirmation of Justice Sotomayor. Bottom line:
My point is this: It is totally unacceptable for the N.R.A., desperate to hang on to its mission and its members after achieving its Second Amendment triumph at the Supreme Court four years ago, to be calling the tune on judicial nominations for an entire political party. Free the Republican caucus.
Orin Kerr's Volokh Conspiracy post in response, "The Role of Advocacy Groups in the Judicial Confirmation Process," questions whether Greenhouse's view on the NRA's role in the judicial confirmation process is consistent with her view on the role of the NARAL Pro Choice America. Many of the comments are thoughtful additions to the debate.
