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Re:Supreme court: Aereo is violating copyright law [pdf] by pontifier on Wednesday June 25, 2014 @11:01AM (#7944366)
I'm constantly amazed by the way the supreme court carves a razor sharp line through the issues. They always seem to examine these complex issues with the clarity they deserve. That's their job, but these are some fantastic and intelligent individuals, and are the only people in government, especially the justice system, that I have complete confidence in.

I truly wish I could have more confidence in other parts of government, especially lower court judges, and the police.

Re:Supreme court: Aereo is violating copyright law [pdf] by allworknoplay on Wednesday June 25, 2014 @11:16AM (#7944460)
You're so right in theory, except that they're almost always split along idealogical lines -- individual justices strongly adhere to a single political ideology, AND justices with similar ideologies almost always stick together.

That implies, sadly, that instead of clear first-principles rulings they're really just interpreting the law to suit their beliefs.

The split has been studied endlessly and it's real; they rule politically rather than rationally. Just one example of coverage: http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2012/06/the-incr...

Re:Supreme court: Aereo is violating copyright law [pdf] by acheron on Wednesday June 25, 2014 @02:28PM (#7945840)
that they're almost always split along idealogical lines

Except not. Stereotypical 5-4 decisions are down, unanimous decisions are up. Overall the justices are agreeing with each other more than ever. http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2014...

Re:Supreme court: Aereo is violating copyright law [pdf] by RockyMcNuts on Wednesday June 25, 2014 @11:11AM (#7944429)
Al Gore probably doesn't share your confidence.