Chief Justice Underscores Importance of Judicial Independence

WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, April 10) -- In a veiled rebuke to Sen. Robert Dole (R-Kan.), U.S. Chief Justice William Rehnquist stressed the importance of an independent federal judiciary, calling it "one of the crown jewels of our system of government" during a speech at American University on Tuesday (215K WAV sound).

Dole last month suggested impeachment for New York federal judge Harold Baer, who threw out evidence in a drug case involving 80 pounds of cocaine seized in a car search.

After Dole's remarks, four federal judges, three of them Republican, promptly fired off a statement saying erroneous rulings are never grounds for impeachment. Although never referring directly the Baer flap, Rehnquist echoed the judges' sentiments and cautioned, "There is a wrong way and right way to go about putting a popular imprint on the judiciary."

"The doctrine of judicial independence does not mean that the country will be forever in sway to groups of non-elected judges," Rehnquist said. "When vacancies occur through death or retirement on any of the federal courts, replacements are nominated by the president ... subject to confirmation by the Senate."

President Bill Clinton was considering asking Baer to resign, but in an extraordinary about face, Baer reversed his ruling last week.

Chief Justice Underscores Importance of Judicial Independence

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