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Temple Law Professor Weighs In On Supreme Court Nomination

By Molly Daly

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Former Temple Law School dean Robert Reinstein says Judge Garland is widely admired.

"He is one of the most respected judges in the federal judiciary. He's exceptionally well qualified. He is pretty much of a centrist, and I think in ordinary circumstances, he would be considered an excellent nominee who would just float through the senate," said Reinstein.

READ: Obama Nominates Merrick Garland To Supreme Court

 
But Senate Republicans refuse to consider any nominee, saying it's too late in President Obama's term, which has 10 months to go. However Reinstein says the tradition of late term supreme court appointments goes back to the founding fathers:

"Probably the person who was the greatest justice in the history of the supreme court, John Marshall. He was nominated by President Adams, after Adams lost the election."

Before Adams died, he said naming John Marshall Chief Justice was his greatest gift to the nation

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