California Supreme Court Gets a Makeover

     Governor Schwarzenegger Nominates Female to Replace Chief Justice George

            The media is abuzz with news that Governor Schwarzenegger has nominated Tani Gorre Cantil-Sakauye, currently with California’s 3rd District Court of Appeal, as the next chief justice of California’s Supreme Court. Cantil-Sakauye, a Republican, would replace current Chief Justice Ronald George, also a Republican, who has been a moderate vote on the California Supreme Court throughout his nearly 20-year tenure. Her arrival on the Court would give the California Supreme Court its first ever female majority.  Cantil-Sakauye still has to be confirmed by a state commission, which is chaired by Chief Justice George. That confirmation is expected, and, assuming she is confirmed, she would then appear on the November ballot for approval from voters. She would be the first Filipina and second woman to hold the post.

            Not much is known about Cantil-Sakauye except that she was appointed to the Sacramento County Superior Court by Republican Governor Pete Wilson and the 3rd District Court of Appeal by Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Even so, biographies about the Justice, as well as her record as a justice with the 3rd District, indicate that she is not so much a conservative as she is a moderate. Because Cantil-Sakauye, a reported moderate, will replace Chief Justice George, a known moderate, it is unlikely that the Court will experience any makeover other than in its demographics. 

            This information is provided by Advocates for Faith and Freedom, a non-profit religious law firm dedicated to protecting religious liberty in the courts!  To help us in our ongoing battle for religious freedom, click here to donate to Advocates.