Merrick Garland is a fascinating figure in American law and politics. Born on November 13, 1952, in Chicago, Illinois, Garland has had a distinguished career in the judiciary and as the U.S. Attorney General
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Garland’s journey began at Harvard University, where he earned both his undergraduate and law degrees. He served as a law clerk for Judge Henry Friendly of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and for Supreme Court Justice William Brennan
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. These early experiences laid the foundation for his legal career.
In 1997, President Bill Clinton appointed Garland to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. He served as a judge on this influential court for over two decades, including a stint as its Chief Judge from 2013 to 2020
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. Garland’s tenure on the D.C. Circuit was marked by his reputation for fairness, meticulous legal reasoning, and a commitment to upholding the rule of law.
Garland’s most high-profile moment came in 2016 when President Barack Obama nominated him to the U.S. Supreme Court to fill the vacancy left by the death of Justice Antonin Scalia. However, the Republican-controlled Senate refused to hold a hearing or vote on his nomination, leaving the seat vacant until President Donald Trump nominated Neil Gorsuch
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. This unprecedented refusal to consider Garland’s nomination was highly controversial and remains a significant moment in recent American political history.
In January 2021, President Joe Biden nominated Garland to serve as the U.S. Attorney General. He was confirmed by the Senate in March 2021 and took office shortly thereafter
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. As Attorney General, Garland has led the Department of Justice (DOJ) through a tumultuous period, marked by significant challenges and controversies.
Garland’s tenure as Attorney General has been characterized by his efforts to restore the DOJ’s independence and integrity. He has emphasized the importance of adhering to established norms and ensuring that the department’s actions are free from partisan influence
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. In his farewell address, Garland highlighted the need for the DOJ to retain its independence from the White House and Congress, stressing that this is essential to ensuring that law enforcement decisions are based on facts and the law, rather than political considerations
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Garland has also overseen significant legal actions, including the prosecution of individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol
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. He has worked to address issues such as violent crime, domestic terrorism, and civil rights violations, demonstrating a commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of all Americans
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Throughout his career, Garland has been known for his dedication to justice, his respect for the law, and his commitment to public service. His legacy as a judge and Attorney General will be remembered for his efforts to uphold the principles of fairness, integrity, and independence in the American legal system.
For more about Merrick Garland, you can check out this YouTube video.
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: Garland cautions against abuse of DOJ power in farewell address
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: In farewell, Merrick Garland praises Justice Department successes, guiding ‘norms’
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: Merrick Garland – Wikipedia
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en.wikipedia.org
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UPI
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The Hill | MSN
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