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Capt. Obvious

(9,002 posts)
Thu Jan 16, 2014, 03:15 PM Jan 2014

Just How Long Is 35 Feet? Even the Supreme Court Isn't Sure

During oral arguments Wednesday, the justices of the Supreme Court engaged in the intellectual sparring that makes trials there a cornerstone of U.S. democracy.

Only it wasn't an arcane bit of legal minutia that stumped them; it was trying to figure out just how long is 35 feet.

During arguments about the constitutionality of a Massachusetts law that bans protestors from gathering less than 35 feet outside an abortion clinic, the justices were forced to put their spacial-relations skills to the test.

"You know, 35 feet is a ways. It's from this bench to the end of the court. And if you imagine the chief justice as sort of where the door would be, it's most of the width of this courtroom as well. It's -- it's pretty much this courtroom, kind of. That's a lot of space," Justice Elena Kagan said in describing the chamber, a room that measures 81 feet by 93 feet.

ABC


I don't like where this case is going hearing this from the liberal wing.
21 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Just How Long Is 35 Feet? Even the Supreme Court Isn't Sure (Original Post) Capt. Obvious Jan 2014 OP
If they make it twenty feet or even fifteen feet it will be better than elimination Bandit Jan 2014 #1
35 SamKnause Jan 2014 #2
Haven't they watched My Cousin Vinny? Capt. Obvious Jan 2014 #15
Reply SamKnause Jan 2014 #17
When Vinny cross exams the older woman Capt. Obvious Jan 2014 #20
Reply SamKnause Jan 2014 #21
You'd think a trial lawyer would be smart enough... Wounded Bear Jan 2014 #3
He is Aerows Jan 2014 #11
You think a single one of them on that bench snooper2 Jan 2014 #4
No. n/t tazkcmo Jan 2014 #6
Wouldn't use one, either Aerows Jan 2014 #12
It's beneath them. n/t tazkcmo Jan 2014 #16
A 12U girl's softball pitcher is 40 feet from the plate. JoePhilly Jan 2014 #5
Here's what thirty-four feet looks like (sans the dog paws) Brother Buzz Jan 2014 #7
She's a bad judge of distance. Iggo Jan 2014 #8
when I first heard the two car lengths I thought that was absurd dsc Jan 2014 #9
Very poor depth perception on that one, benld74 Jan 2014 #10
35 feet is across a street. Dumb asses if you ask me. appleannie1 Jan 2014 #13
how far away do they keep protestors from the Supremes? NightWatcher Jan 2014 #14
Elena Kagan is a dumbkopf. GeorgeGist Jan 2014 #18
i'm a judge, not a surveyor Enrique Jan 2014 #19

Bandit

(21,475 posts)
1. If they make it twenty feet or even fifteen feet it will be better than elimination
Thu Jan 16, 2014, 03:31 PM
Jan 2014

There needs to be a buffer zone or people will get hurt. I don't believe anyone questions that at all.

SamKnause

(13,110 posts)
2. 35
Thu Jan 16, 2014, 03:32 PM
Jan 2014

I guess they were too stupid, or too lazy to get up off their asses and walk heel to toe and count at the same time.

It would not be exact, but it would be a hell of a lot closer than the ridiculous numbers they came up with.

The Supreme Court, how funny.

We don't know the answer, so we'll just guess.

P.S. DON'T forget corporations are people.

Supreme indeed.

Capt. Obvious

(9,002 posts)
20. When Vinny cross exams the older woman
Fri Jan 17, 2014, 08:47 AM
Jan 2014

he pulls a tape measure to the other side of the room and asks, "how many fingers am I holding up?"

Wounded Bear

(58,737 posts)
3. You'd think a trial lawyer would be smart enough...
Thu Jan 16, 2014, 03:35 PM
Jan 2014

to throw a tape measure in his briefcase when arguing a case involving distance.

 

Aerows

(39,961 posts)
11. He is
Thu Jan 16, 2014, 04:04 PM
Jan 2014

he is determining questionable judgment. They have to procure reasonable doubt. He's on his way with that.

dsc

(52,169 posts)
9. when I first heard the two car lengths I thought that was absurd
Thu Jan 16, 2014, 03:47 PM
Jan 2014

but when I saw the picture and realized that the cars would have some space between, that isn't that bad an estimate.

benld74

(9,911 posts)
10. Very poor depth perception on that one,
Thu Jan 16, 2014, 04:02 PM
Jan 2014

would hate to be in her vehicle when she decides to pass on a 2 lane road,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

NightWatcher

(39,343 posts)
14. how far away do they keep protestors from the Supremes?
Thu Jan 16, 2014, 04:14 PM
Jan 2014

Are people allowed to stand right next to the Supremes and scream at them?

Are people held back from the street where the Supremes drive up to work?

I bet security lines keep protestors at least 35 feet from the Supremes at all times.

Good enough for the Supremes....

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