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How Supreme Court Keeps Obamacare Ruling a Secret

Any clerk who leaks information would be ostracized

By Neal Colgrass,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 24, 2012 2:33 PM CDT

(Newser) – Hoping for a leak from the Supreme Court on its upcoming Obamacare ruling? Don't hold your breath. Unlike the legislative and executive branches of government, the Supreme Court is known for having a tight lip. That means keeping nine justices as well as clerks, aides, support staff, family members, and others mum on the historic ruling—which, by the way, they do already know about, the AP reports.

Clerks in particular are warned to stay quiet, and the incentive is there: Any known leaker would lose a future cushy lawyering job that's guaranteed to bring in six figures. Worse, leakers who aren't caught would put extra pressure on the entire class to clamp down. "So what's in it for a clerk to leak?" said one former clerk. The worst threat may be from printers who publish the rulings; more than 30 years ago, ABC News revealed a ruling a day early, and a printing shop worker was quickly shifted to another job.

WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 21: An exterior view of the U.S. Supreme Court on June 21, 2012 in Washington, DC. The Supreme Court is expected to hand down its ruling on the Healthcare Reform Law before the end of its 2011-2012 term.
WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 21: An exterior view of the U.S. Supreme Court on June 21, 2012 in Washington, DC. The Supreme Court is expected to hand down its ruling on the Healthcare Reform Law before the...   (Getty Images)
The US Supreme Court is seen in Washington, DC, June 18, 2012.
The US Supreme Court is seen in Washington, DC, June 18, 2012.   (Getty Images)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 25 comments
chutzpah217
Jun 24, 2012 4:39 PM CDT
I don't need anyone to leak any info . . . I believe we already know the end result, but . . . As I have posted previously . . . It's really despicable what is proposed in this health care plan . . . for instance: "Making sure that 30 million Americans have access to affordable health care -- and 2.5 million young people can stay on their parent's plan, and seniors get discounts on their prescription drugs, and preventive care is there for everybody, and women can control their own health care choices -- . . . " Really, who would want an affordable health care plan . . . FORWARD OBAMA 2012
ProbolyKnot
Jun 24, 2012 4:00 PM CDT
Only in the mind of a people-hating conservative, would a law that helps people, be vilified as unconstitutional.  Let's tear apart the Patriot Act first... since it pisses all over the First, Forth, and Sixth Amendments...  Or would you rather we throw out the offending Amendments instead?
USLady
Jun 24, 2012 3:25 PM CDT
The fact is Obamacare is unconstitutional and it must be thrown out! because it would be a crime to allow it! not only this! but Obama needs to be thrown out with it! because he purposely has tried to over throw our countries laws and create his own laws on his behalf! I believe the Supreme Court should have a lot of questions to ask Mr Obama.When a man like Obama disrepects our country our service men,our flag,our God and the cross of Christ,when he stands for abortion and killing the innocent children.When he refuses to help to defend the countries killing children.and on and on! We the American people disrespect him as president.

 
Ruth Bader Ginsburg • US Supreme Court • ObamaCare • court clerk

 
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