Merrick Garland Confirmed as Attorney General Amid Shift in DOJ Priorities

Strategic Insights -

Merrick Garland's nomination to lead the Department of Justice has sparked widespread attention, given his previously unsuccessful Supreme Court nomination and his extensive experience as an appeals court judge. As President Joe Biden's pick for attorney general, Garland is expected to navigate the Justice Department's shift in priorities, including a focus on civil rights issues, criminal justice overhauls, and policing policies. Garland's commitment to upholding the independence of the Justice Department and ensuring that laws are "fairly and faithfully enforced" has garnered bipartisan support.

Key Takeaways:

  • Merrick Garland, a 20-year appeals court judge, is confirmed as the new Attorney General, citing his extensive legal experience and commitment to keeping politics out of the Justice Department.
  • Garland's high court nomination by President Barack Obama in 2016 died due to Republican-controlled Senate's refusal to hold a hearing, sparking controversy.
  • Garland plans to focus on civil rights issues, criminal justice overhauls, and policing policies in the wake of nationwide protests over the death of Black Americans at the hands of law enforcement.
  • He will confront immediate challenges, including a criminal tax investigation into President Biden's son, Hunter, and calls from Democrats to investigate former President Donald Trump after the January 6 U.S. Capitol riot.
  • Garland is expected to decide what to make public from a special counsel's inquiry started by William Barr into the origins of the Trump-Russia investigation.

Statistics:

  • 13 federal executions were carried out in six months during the Trump administration, and they became superspreaders during the coronavirus pandemic.
  • The Justice Department is expected to shift its priorities in the Biden administration, with a focus on civil rights issues, criminal justice overhauls, and policing policies.
  • Garland has a 20-year background as an appeals court judge, including holding senior positions at the Justice Department, such as procurement of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing.

Sources:

Associated Press, "Merrick Garland Confirmed as Attorney General Amid Shift in DOJ Priorities"

AP, "Garland to face Senate committee questions amid shift in DOJ priorities"

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