Retirement sparks US judiciary fight

Julian Borger in Washington
Saturday July 2, 2005The Guardian

A monumental struggle for control of America's judiciary was set in motion yesterday when Sandra Day O'Connor, the first woman to serve on the US supreme court, announced her retirement.

President George Bush quickly emerged into the Rose Garden to say he would announce a successor in time for the next court session in October. He also called for restraint in the emotive battle over her replacement, the first new supreme court justice for 11 years.

"The nation deserves and I will select a supreme court jus tice that Americans can be proud of," he said. "The nation also deserves a dignified process of confirmation in the United States Senate, characterised by fair treatment, a fair hearing and a fair vote."

The departure of Justice O'Connor, 75, will give Mr Bush the opportunity to replace a moderate voice with a more committed conservative, with far-reaching consequences for such issues as abortion rights and stem cell research. >>>>continued

http://www.guardian.co.uk/usa/story/0,12271,1519689,00.html