Some SCOTUS justices held prayer meetings with religious group that advocated before the Court?

No. I guess my assumption is that this would happen in a liberal court and that it likely does happen. Its the religious aspect that gets attention.

If Im wrong about that, then I'll own it, but i find it hard to believe that this is the first time that justices have had in person connections with those of vested interest.

I assume we can never know

 

Just google obama praying.

 

Yep. I see that. The article was on the front page the day after the ruling. I hate when CNN does that.

It was after the leak, not the ruling so I apologize.

 

Having connections and hosting private, non-disclosed meetings in chambers are two different discussions. To the best of my knowledge, private, ex-parte communications with interested parties are, at a minimum, ethically prohibited for any regulatory authority, be it a local zoning board or the USSC. The fact that they are doing it with no repercussions is a sad reflection on our country's leadership. Congress should impeach and remove any judge that does this on any level, be it a liberal or conservative judge. And I disagree that non disclosed ex-parte meetings with interested parties are routine at any level of the judiciary. I am sure it occurs but seriously doubt that it is rampant or even routine.

Perhaps some of the lawyers or others engaged in the profession can speak to the likelihood of this being routine in the judiciary. I have been advised that I am subject to criminal prosecution if I fail to disclose before any of the zoning hearings that I vote on.

I would be interested to hear @blackbird68 opinion on this as I believe he is a retired federal judge.

 

I agree with all use would say but I think it goes beyond simple appearances. Especially in the second article about the wining and dining, these are individuals meeting with justices and advocating for very specific positions on cases that will come before them. It's not just the appearance, it's the actuality

 

Oh, but I do, just not in public and not to anyone in particular, nor do I call them prayers. I believe strongly in sending my thoughts to those who are suffering and halfway believe they're "received". "There are more things in heaven and Earth, Horatio, / Than are dreamt of in your philosophy."