Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, known for his conservative views and, according to AP, passionate and straightforward cutting remarks on otherwise controversial legal issues, died at age 79 last week.
His death-less common among Justices who now retire instead of serving until they die-broke the 5-4 conservative majority, leaving President Barack Obama with the responsibility of appointing a new Justice and the possibility, according to AP, of a 4-4 split on today's biggest national issues while the seat remains vacant.
His body was found in a private hunting resort near West Texas on Saturday morning, reported AP, and it was later discovered that he died of natural causes. According to AP, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts said this concerning Scalia's death: “He was an extraordinary individual and jurist, admired and treasured by his colleagues. His passing is a great loss to the Court and the country he so loyally served.”
According to AP, President Obama said he will fulfill his constitutional duty and appoint a new Justice in “due time,” despite immediate uproar from Republicans saying it's a job for Obama's successor, whoever the presidential elections decide that will be.
Others (like Democratic Senator Harry Reid) have argued that it is President Obama's duty, and to leave the Supreme Court at only eight justices for an entire year would be too long, especially with key cases coming up that they have already met to discuss but haven't yet reached a decision.
Presidential candidates Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio have, according to AP, agreed with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell who stated the responsibility lies with the next American President, whereas candidates Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton have stated it is Obama's decision as he is still currently in office.
According to CNN, Scalia's death has surfaced conspiracy theories and questions of foul play or simply problems with the system due to a local judge declaring Scalia dead by natural causes without conducting an autopsy.
CNN also reports the ranch owner who found him said there was a pillow over his head, leading those already suspicious because Scalia had no known terminal diseases to suggest he was murdered. However, such suggestions have been refuted by the rancher's clarifying statement that the pillow was, according to CNN, resting on the headboard and not covering his face.
According to the New York Times, President Obama received a lot of backlash for deciding not to attend Scalia's funeral, however, he and his wife did pay their respects on Friday. According to Reuters, Vice President Joe Biden attended the funeral which was held Saturday, Feb 20, representing the Obama Administration.
Despite his sometimes opposing views with Justices Elena Kagan and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Scalia was known for his special friendship with them, says AP, in which he'd occasionally go hunting with Kagan, and often attend the opera with Ginsburg.