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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsScalia Led Court in Taking Trips Funded by Private Sponsors
WASHINGTON Antonin Scalia was the longest-tenured justice on the current Supreme Court and the countrys most prominent constitutionalist. But another quality also set him apart: Among the courts members, he was the most frequent traveler, to spots around the globe, on trips paid for by private sponsors.
When Justice Scalia died two weeks ago, he was staying, again for free, at a West Texas hunting lodge owned by a businessman whose company had recently had a matter before the Supreme Court.
Though that trip has brought new attention to the justices penchant for travel, it was in addition to the 258 subsidized trips that he took from 2004 to 2014. Justice Scalia went on at least 23 privately funded trips in 2014 alone to places like Hawaii, Ireland and Switzerland, giving speeches, participating in moot court events or teaching classes. Just a few weeks before his death, he was in Singapore and Hong Kong.
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Many of the justices are frequent expenses-paid travelers, a practice that some court scholars say is a minor matter, given that many of the trips involve public talks that help demystify the court. But others argue that the trips could potentially create the appearance of a conflict of interest, particularly when the organizations are known for their conservative or liberal views. Some groups at times use the presence of a Supreme Court justice as a way to pull in members or other paying guests.
I am worried about the public perception of gratitude, even if there is no effect on your behavior, said Stephen Gillers, a professor at the New York University School of Law who specializes in legal ethics. And the greater the luxury, the greater the risk of public suspicion.
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/scalia-led-court-in-taking-trips-funded-by-private-sponsors/ar-BBq2jPA?li=BBnb7Kz
meow2u3
(24,767 posts)He took trips sponsored by corporations and other wealthy entities and individuals who had litigation before the Supreme Court--and he invariably decided in their favor afterwards.
If that didn't amount to taking bribes, what did?
Hoppy
(3,595 posts)eppur_se_muova
(36,279 posts)What HONEST person, in any line of work, would ever get such perks ?
None. None at all.
If the lifestyle you desire is lavish enough, only corruption can ever pay for it. Scalia recognized that, and went for it.